Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche danger is Low above 8500 feet and not rated below that elevation due to low or no snow coverage. As temperatures have warmed, so has the snow/rain line. Early this morning rain was falling to nearly 9000 feet with wet snow falling above that elevation. Generally, this moisture has further strengthened the shallow early season snowpack. Low hazard does not mean no hazard and small isolated pockets of new shallow slabs could be found in wind loaded terrain features above 9500 feet. Backcountry travelers are urged to use caution in a shallow snowpack with abundant rocks and stumps just under the snow surface. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Long-time avalanche center director Bob Comey is getting hitched today. We wish Bob and Liz the best in the many years to come!

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Another system is to bring a shot of moisture to the area mainly between 4 am and 10 am Saturday. Several inches could fall at the upper elevations where overnight temperatures are to drop to the mid-twenties before rising into the low thirties on Saturday. West winds will have averages between 15 and 25mph with a period of stronger winds expected during frontal passage around mid-day. The general avalanche danger will be LOW on Saturday. In high terrain, new snow and strong winds will form isolated pockets of new wind slabs that may be briefly sensitive if rapid loading occurs. Caution is advised given the chance that even a very small slide or any type of fall can result in injury given the shallow snowpack.