Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. Four to eight inches of new snow driven by strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds have created new wind slabs up to 18 inches deep. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs on steep, wind loaded slopes. Any extended periods of sunshine will make these slabs more susceptible to failure. In very steep terrain, the chance continues for skiers and riders to trigger dangerous, dense slabs up to an additional three feet in depth. Larger loads, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to impact the hidden, weak snow supporting these deep slabs. Careful evaluation of the snowpack, strong route finding skills and conservative decision making are all necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall rates will diminish overnight with only scattered snow showers expected during the day on Sunday. Westerly ridgetop winds will decrease to 10 to 20 miles per hour by Sunday morning. Daytime highs in the mountains will be in the mid teens.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Sunday. Backcountry travelers are likely to trigger newly developed wind slabs one to two feet in depth in steep, wind loaded terrain. Any extended periods of sunshine in the afternoon will make these slides more susceptible to failure. In very steep terrain, the chance continues for skiers and riders to trigger dangerous, dense slabs up to an additional four feet in depth. Larger loads, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to impact the weak layers below these deep slabs. Careful evaluation of the snowpack, strong route finding skills and conservative decision making will all be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain on Sunday.