Togwotee Pass

Skiers and riders still have some potential to trigger persistent deep slab avalanches above 8,000 feet, particularly when the associated weak layers are less than three feet below the snow surface. Backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of recently developed wind slab in very steep, wind-loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. While these slides are likely to be small, they still have the potential to sweep skiers and riders over cliff bands or into terrain traps. Below 8,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On Friday, expect partly to mostly cloudy skies as the upper level trough moves eastward. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near zero before rising into the low teens during the day. Southerly ridgetop winds will back around to the northwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet. Up there, two to five feet of dense snow resides over faceted layers that formed in December and January. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to be able to impact these deeply buried weak layers. However, the weight of a single skier might be sufficient to trigger one of these dangerous persistent deep slabs if a shallow, weak zone is encountered. Backcountry travelers might also be able to trigger a recently developed pocket of wind slab in very steep, wind-loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.