Togwotee Pass

Heavy snowfall rates driven by southerly winds will create easily triggered soft slabs on lee slopes by afternoon. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 8,000 feet. The depth of these slabs will increase through the day. Be alert to local conditions where stronger winds or heavier snowfall rates will create areas of higher hazard. There is also some chance that surface slides or heavier triggers such as more than one person at a time on a slope could pull out deeper, hard slabs to two feet in depth. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations where the general avalanche hazard is LOW.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A strong winter storm is forecasted to bring several inches of snow overnight and continue through Saturday at all elevations. Ridgetop winds will be southwesterly overnight at thirty miles per hour then southerly Saturday. Temperatures will be in the low to mid twenties.With forecasted snow and winds, dangerous slabs will develop on lee slopes at Mid and Upper elevations by Saturday morning. Rapid snowfall rates will increase the size and sensitivity of the slabs through the day. As new slabs grow the potential to pull out deeper, hard slabs will increase. The avalanche hazard will rise rapidly during the day and may reach HIGH by afternoon.