Togwotee Pass

Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches involving a weak layer that persists under last week's snowfall or deeper in a snowpack wrought with weak snow. The decrease in the danger rating is due to time and weather conditions making the natural release of slabs unlikely. However, make no mistake that these slabs could still be triggered by the weight of a single person and may be triggered remotely, particularly at higher elevations where avalanches could be large in size. At lower elevations, isolated pockets of slab could be triggered in very steep wind loaded features where the snowpack is weak and faceted. Diligence in making conservative terrain choices remains a must as the determination of stable versus unstable slopes in steep terrain is extremely difficult.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Dry conditions and sunny skies are expected on Tuesday. Mild inversions are likely in the morning with near zero temperatures predicted for the higher elevations and sub-zero temperatures predicted in the valleys. Daytime highs should reach into the twenties at all elevations. Winds are to be northwesterly with five to fifteen mile per hour averages. The general avalanche danger rating will decrease to Moderate tomorrow above 7500 feet and to Low below that elevation. This is simply due to the decreased sensitivity of dangerous slabs that have become unlikely to release naturally, but could still be triggered by the presence of a single person. As is consistent with persistent slab problems, above 7500 feet, a chance continues for avalanches to be triggered remotely upon approach from a ridge line or from below a slope. Long propagation distances also provides for the possibility of large avalanches. Crown depths could reach as much as four feet at higher elevations and two feet at lower elevations.