Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet and LOW below this elevation. Soft slabs to over a foot in depth that were formed by recent snow and strong winds could be user triggered in steep terrain, particularly near ridge crests and under cliff areas. Forecasted heavy snowfall rates today will increase the size and sensitivity of these slabs and raise the chance of triggering loose snow sloughs that could accumulate dangerous amounts of deposition in ravines or other terrain traps.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Low pressure will continue to bring periods of snow to the Mountains of western Wyoming through Monday. The Tetons can expect 4 to 8 inches of new snow by Monday night and the Salt and Greys River Mountains 12 or more inches. The Togwotee Pass area is forecasted to receive 5 to 8 inches. Winds at the ridge tops and through passes will be southwesterly at 25 to 30 miles per hour during the night then back to southerly and slow to 15 m.p.h. during the day Monday. Temperatures at 9,500 feet will continue cold with morning lows in the single digits and highs only reaching the low teens.The general avalanche hazard will begin at Moderate Monday and will increase during the day as new snow and winds create soft slabs to two feet in depth that may be easily triggered by backcountry travelers. The new snow rests on light density snow over sun crusts on southerly exposures. On north facing slopes the new snow is falling on melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar.