The Avalanche Warning has been downgraded to a Special Avalanche Bulletin. The storm that was to bring significant snowfall overnight and throughout the day has moved south of the area. However, the chance for natural avalanche activity continues and riders and skiers could easily trigger newly formed wind slabs as well as slabs that lie upon older weak layers at all elevations. These older weaknesses will be sensitive on all aspects and elevations as faceted snow is prevalent throughout the Togwotee Pass area.
The possibility exists to trigger newly formed wind slabs near peaks and along ridge crests. Strong southwest to west winds have formed dense slabs on leeward slopes. Slab depths to eighteen inches could be easily triggered and once triggered could step down to deeper weaknesses in the snowpack.
Buried weak snow persists throughout the region. Slab avalanches could be easily triggered by a single rider or skier today. These dangerous slabs could be hard or soft, and could have depths to five feet. Understanding snowpack layers in specific locations of your travel plan is essential for good decision making.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The storm system is to continue to bring heavy snowfall through Thursday afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning through 5pm Thursday. Thursday is to be slightly warmer than today with mountain highs in the mid twenties and valleys reaching the upper thirties. Periods of rain are possible at low elevations during the afternoon. One to two feet of additional snow is possible by the end of Thursday. Stronger southwest winds with averages of thirty to forty miles per hour are likely during this period. The avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH on Thursday and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Large avalanches could be easily triggered by a single rider or skier on a variety of aspects and elevations. Naturally triggered avalanches are also likely, particularly in areas of significant wind loading.
