Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard will climb to CONSIDERABLE by this evening. Warmer, heavy snowfall will develop an "upside down" situation where the new snow is poorly supported by the lighter, colder snow of the last few days. The possibility of triggering slab avlanches (and their size) will rise as the snowfall increases. Winds have begun to form pockets of new soft surface slab on leeward aspects. Old hard slabs up to five feet in depth linger and have some potential to be triggered on steep slopes-with severe consequences. Always travel one at a time in avalanche terrain.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A major winter storm will move into western Wyoming this evening. Periods of heavy snowfall will develop around midnight and continue into Monday and Monday evening. Snowfall amounts could be 12 to 18 inches by Monday night. Winds will be southwesterly at 25 to 30 mph with gusts in the 40s. Temperatures will rise to near thirty degrees during the day. The Greys River area will see slightly less snow and the Togwotee Pass area will receive about half the Teton totals.AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER / SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard Sunday turned out to be more in the Moderate range than CONSIDERABLE as stated due to the lack of slab development. The forecasted snow and significantly warmer temperatures Monday will provide a better opportunity for slab development and the weak "warm over cold" snow layering is a good factor for slope failure. Continuous heavy snowfall through Sunday night into Monday could push the hazard to CONSIDERABLE by morning and rise during the day. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.