Togwotee Pass

Persistent deep slab avalanches remain the primary concern. Backcountry travelers could trigger these large to very large slabs on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. Skiers and riders venturing into very steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000 feet may be able to trigger a pocket of recently developed wind slab 6 to 18 inches deep. Warming temperatures and abundant sunshine might increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs on sunlit aspects in the afternoon. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, monitor the effect of the sun, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. The snowpack below 7,500 feet has gone through several melt-freeze cycles, and significant avalanche activity is unlikely.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect clear skies overnight and sunshine on Monday. Nighttime lows in the mountains will be in the upper single digits before rising into the mid-20s during the day. The valleys will drop to near zero tonight before rebounding into the low to mid 30s in the afternoon. Ridgetop winds will be light and variable overnight before increasing to 5 to 15 miles per hour out of the southwest during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate above 7,500 feet on Monday. In very steep, wind loaded terrain, backcountry travelers will still have some potential of triggering wind slabs up to two feet deep. These slabs could become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects in the afternoon. Persistent deep slab avalanches will remain a threat in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones. Snowmobilers are more likely than skiers to impact the weak layers of faceted snow that are buried three to six feet deep. Don’t let previous tracks fool you into thinking that a slope is safe; they are not an indication of stability for persistent deep slabs. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack has gone through several melt-freeze cycles, and avalanche activity will be unlikely.