Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE and will increase durig the day. West winds will form new soft surface slabs up to one foot in depth that will gain volume as the day progresses. The new slabs will increase the load on existing unstable hard slabs. Humans who venture into steep avalanche paths could trigger these new shallow soft slabs and dangerous deeper hard slabs that could step down to the ground.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow is forecast to develop as a low pressure storm forms over southern Idaho. Snow will begin before sunrise and continue during the day and into the night. Accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are possible by sunset. West winds at 25 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 40 along the highest ridgelines will accompany the snowfall. Mountain temperatures will rise into the teens. The general avalanche hazard in the Teton Area is expected to be MODERATE in the morning and increase as the day progresses. The snow and wind will combine to form new shallow new soft surface slabs that increase in volume during the day. With this additional load being added to the snowpack the potential for deep slab avalanche activity will persist. The general avalanche hazard in the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide Trails Area is expected to be MODERATE and also increase as the day progresses. Pockets of new soft slab will begin to form and put an additional load on existing unstable hard slabs. Humans venturing onto steep avalanche paths could trigger dangerous slab avalanches that could step down to the ground. The general avalanche hazard in the Greys River/Southwest Trails Area is expected to be CONSIDERABLE and increase during the day. Dangerous deep slabs lie upon a base of weak faceted snow. These slabs could be easily triggered by humans on steep slopes and could run full path. Additional loading by drifting snow could result in natural releases.