Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Dense surface slabs one to three feet in depth lie upon lighter density snow on steep avalanche starting zones. These slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person particularly on steepening slopes or areas under cornices or cliffs. In isolated areas with huge deposits of wind drifted snow, like the east face of Lava Mountain, dangerous hard slabs up to six feet in depth could be triggered, especially by larger loads such as high marking snowmachines. Yesterday two riders were caught in an avalanche on a wind loaded slope in Kettle Creek. When a machine is stuck on a slope always let the rider dig out alone.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A weak weather system will bring light snow to the region Sunday night into early morning Monday with light accumulations. Overcast skies will give way to partly sunny conditions in the afternoon. Morning temperatures will be near ten degrees then warm to the mid 20s. Winds at the ridge tops will be northerly to northwesterly at 15 to 20 miles per hour.The avalanche hazard will be Moderate Monday at mid and upper elevations. Slabs to three feet in depth could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep areas near corniced ridge lines, chutes and slopes above and below cliff bands. Deeper slabs in similar areas could pull out but will likely require larger triggers such as more than one person on a slope or high-marking snow machines.