Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard remains MODERATE. Four to twelve inches of drifted loose snow and very soft slabs are poorly bonded to slick suncrusts and firm wind pack. Yesterday, a 12 inch soft slab was triggered by a snowmobiler on an east facing slope of Two Ocean Peak, and is indicative of the good sliding surfaces that are present. In addition to the possibility of sweeping skiers or riders into terrain traps or over cliff bands, these surface slabs and sluffs still have the potential of triggering deeper hard slabs with severe consequences.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Increasing clouds are expected Sunday night in front of the next Pacific system to move through the area. This system should arrive late Christmas morning and bring another 4 to 6 inches of new snow. Overnight lows in the mountains should remain in the upper single digits before rising into the mid 20s on Christmas day. Westerly winds should increase into the 20s during the passage of this disturbance.The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Christmas day. Six to eighteen inches of drifted loose snow and very soft slabs lie upon slick suncrusts and firm wind pack. In addition to the possibility of sweeping skiers or riders into terrain traps or over cliff bands, these surface slabs and sluffs still have the potential of triggering deeper hard slabs with severe consequences.