Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE today. Several days of melt-freeze cycles has hardened the snow surface. These cycles have caused the existing surface slabs to gain strength however some potential continues for large triggers such as snowmobiles/riders to trigger these slabs in steep terrain, particularly in avalanche starting zones. Although the chance to trigger these slabs today is remote, the consequences could be severe as they could involve weak layers buried deep in the snowpack, potentially to the ground.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A system is expected to bring snow to the area Thursday morning through Thursday afternoon. Cooler temperatures are expected in the morning with afternoon highs expected to reach the upper twenties. Southwest to West winds are expected at 25 to 35 mph. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW in the Tetons. Colder temperatures throughout the day and stronger winds are expected to keep the existing snow surface frozen, making it unlikely to trigger avalanches except for in isolated pockets in steep shaded terrain. The hazard may increase if significantly higher than forecasted temperatures occur.In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas the hazard is expected to be MODERATE. Cold temperatures and wind are expected to keep the snow surface hard except for in the most shaded areas where recent warming has not formed a melt-freeze crust. The potential remains for larger triggers such as snowmobilers to trigger slab avalanches in steep terrain. Such slabs could involve buried weak layers as deep as the ground level and are more likely to occur on North facing slopes. Above freezing temperatures will increase the potential for avalanche activity.