Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 8,000 feet where new snow and strong West-southwest winds have formed new soft surface slabs up to fourteen inches in depth. The unstable slabs lie upon weak layers of rotten, faceted snow and good sliding surfaces and can be easily triggered by travellers who venture onto steep, wind loaded slopes. Below 8,000 feet the general avalanche hazard is LOW, the snowpack is shallow and avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Snowfall intensity should increase into the evening hours becoming heavy before decreasing later tonight (Tuesday) Lows overnight will be in the single digits. Ridgetop winds are blowing from the Southwest tonight in the thirties with higher gusts and will drop in speed and veer to a more westerly direction by Wednesday morning. Wednesday will see broken clouds and light snowfall with highs rising to only ten degrees f. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAThe general avalanche hazard is expected to increase to CONSIDERABLE by Wednesday morning at the mid and upper elevations (8,000 to 10,500 feet). 18 inch soft surface slabs are expected to build as the forecasted snow and winds develop. The current (Tuesday) slabs have been formed by southwest to northwest winds and lie upon unstable weak layers of faceted snow and good sliding surfaces. An increasing snow load will make slides more easily triggered by humans on a variety of steep, wind loaded aspects. Loose snow sluffs are also possible. The general avalanche hazard below 8,000 is expected to be LOW. Below this elevation the snowpack is still shallow and avalanches are unlikely except for small loose snow sluffs and isolated pockets of shallow soft slab on very steep snow covered slopes.