Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. In the higher exposed terrain pockets of wind slab up to a foot deep lie upon older hard slabs up to three feet deep that rest upon hard crusts. These pockets of wind slab and deeper hard slabs could be triggered by humans, especially those on snowmachines, who venture into steep avalanche starting zones, cliff areas or terrain traps. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where the snowpack is mostly stable and the general avalanche hazard is LOW.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Moisture will increase as a trough moves in from the Pacific. On Saturday skies will be overcast with mountain snow showers developing into widespread light snowfall and increasing in intensity by evening. Temperatures at 9,000 feet will be in the teens to 20s. Winds will be southwesterly at 20 to 25 miles per hour along the highest ridge crests.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE between the elevations of 8,500 to 10,500 feet. Pockets of surface slab up to two feet in depth lie upon older hard slabs up to three feet deep. Humans who venture into very steep avalanche starting zones or cliff areas could trigger the surface slabs. Larger triggers such as snowmachines or cornice drops may be necessary to trigger the deeper hard slabs. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet.