Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Recent new snow over the past several days fell on weak, well developed surface hoar. The new snow and overnight strong winds have created soft surface slabs up to 12 inches in depth on steep, lee slopes. The new snow has also loaded a snowpack with persistent weaknesses at its base. The potential continues for people to trigger deep, hard slabs up to six feet deep in some steep avalanche paths. The release of these slides would likely require a larger trigger such as a snowmachine or multiple riders or skiers.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Tuesday night into Wednesday moderate snowfall and strong, gusty westerly winds are forecasted. Accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are expected with locally deeper amounts on the west side of the Tetons. Temperatures will remain near zero overnight then rise into the teens Wednesday. Over two feet of recent snow currently rests on slick crusts and weak faceted snow. New snow and strong winds will add to existing unstable slopes increasing the chance of natural slides and user triggered events on a variety of aspects. Soft slabs running within the newer snow or involving the new and old snow could be up to three feet deep. As noted in the Wolf Mountain slide, the potential remains for deep, hard slabs up to six feet in depth to be triggered, especially by snowmobiles. The possibility of triggering these deeper slabs is higher in the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass area where the snowpack rests on a weak base of faceted snow. The General Avalanche Hazard will begin at CONSIDERABLE Wednesday and may rapidly increase to HIGH with sufficient snow and wind.