Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Recent snow and westerly winds have formed surface slabs on steep, leeward slopes to depths of eighteen inches. Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger these slabs as well as hard slabs up to 30 inches deep that rest on a persistent weak layer at the base of the snowpack. Hard slabs are dangerous and unpredictable as they could be triggered by the first person on a slope or after a slope has been crossed many times.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) The general avalanche hazard in the Tetons and Greys River areas is expected to be CONSIDERABLE Monday. Soft slabs to four feet deep from the newer snow and deeper, hard slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep areas. Most recent activity has had some common elements: Very steep slopes, good build-up of snow from ridge-crest winds or cliffs above and underlying faceted snow. As the snowpack settles slides may release with the first person on a slope or after a few people have passed. The presence of several people in avalanche terrain is not an indication of stability. In the Togwotee Pass area where less snow has fallen the hazard is expected to remain MODERATE where a chance of triggering hard slabs to three feet in depth is becoming more unpredictable.