Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard remains CONSIDERABLE. The second avalanche fatality of the season occured yesterday around 1:30 PM when a backcountry skier triggered a large slab avalanche in the steep starting zone of a major avalanche path on Mount Taylor in the southern end of the Teton Range. Numerous other large avalanches occured on east through north aspects in the Teton and Snake River Ranges. Large dangerous slabs up to six feet in depth could be triggered by skiers or snowmachiners today in the steep starting zones of avalanche prone slopes, especially as temperatures warm. Wet loose slides are also possible on steep snow covered slopes. Clear skies and good visibility can encourage backcountry users to take greater risks. Good decision making skills are essential today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Temperature inversions are expected tonight through Friday morning with valley fog expected to form closer to the valley floor than last night. Temperatures at 10,000 feet are forecast to start out eight degrees warmer than Thursday morning and rise into the 30's. Mostly dry weather is expected through Saturday morning. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche danger is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE. LARGE DANGEROUS slabs up to eight feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single skier in the steep wind loaded starting zones of major avalanche paths. The sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers will increase as temperatures warm during the day. Shallower soft surface slabs could also triggered on steep slopes. Loose snow sluffs and sunballing is also likely on steep sunlit aspects. Good visiblity and clear skies generally encourage backcountry users to take greater risks. Good decision making skills are essential. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.