Togwotee Pass

At the higher elevations the general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Strong and gusty southwest to west winds have formed pockets of wind slab one to two feet in depth. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 8,500 feet these slabs lie upon weak faceted snow and hard crusts and could be human triggered. Tuesday an avalanche was released on approach by skiers on a north facing gully at 10,000 feet on Two Ocean Peak. (see the Avalanche Event Map under the Avalanche Information menu at jhavalanche.org for details) Below an elevation of 8,500 feet the general avalanche hazard is LOW. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets on steep banks and road cuts.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. On northerly aspects pockets of stiff wind slab 15 to 30 inches deep have formed on weak, faceted snow and hard crusts. Small avalanches (up to class size 2) could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones, steep couloirs and in cliff areas. Settling or "woomphing" is a good indication that unstable layers exist and slides could be easily triggered. Class 2 size avalanches can easily kill or seriously injure a person. Some potential may exist for a medium size (class size 3) avalanche to occur in isolated areas. The general avalanche hazard below an elevation of 8,500 feet is expected to be LOW.