Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE. Strong winds and new snow have created easily triggered surface slabs to a foot in depth on lee slopes of the higher ridges and peaks. Beneath the new snow dangerous unstable slabs persist. Over the last few days several large avalanches have been triggered by backcountry travelers in Western Wyoming, which resulted in injuries, fatalities, and close calls. Deep hard and soft slabs lie upon a weak base of faceted snow, and could be triggered by those venturing into avalanche terrain. Greater triggers such as more than one person or machine on a slope may be necessary to start a slide. Always travel one at a time on slopes and do not linger in run-out zones.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Winds will diminish and temperatures will continue to drop to near ten below by Wednesday morning as a north to northwesterly flow affects the region. Occasional light snow is possible with daytime 9500 foot maximums in the low single digits. Winds will be northerly at 15 miles per hour along the ridge tops.New snow and very strong winds created sensitive slabs to 18 inches in depth that could be easily triggered on lee slopes. Deeper, old slabs resting on buried weak layers continue to be a concern on steep west, north and east aspects. Released new slabs or stronger triggers such as multiple riders on a slope may be necessary to pull out the older snow. Wednesday the General Avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable in the Greys River and Teton areas and Moderate in the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass area.