Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard will be increasing today and is MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. In some higher elevation avalanche starting zones dense slabs up to two feet in depth lie upon a base of weak faceted snow. Today's wind and new snow will add an additional load onto those slabs. Humans who venture into steep avalanche starting zones could trigger slab avalanches up to two feet deep. At the mid and lower elevations avalanches are limited to isolated pockets of new soft slab less that one foot deep.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall will develop, increase overnight and continue through Friday. Strong southwest to west winds will accompany the snowfall and create areas of blowing snow. Accumulations of six to 12 inches are possible in the mountains by late afternoon/early evening. Temperatures will decrease as the storm progresses and end up in the single digits by Saturday morning. The general avalanche hazard is expected to MODERATE at the upper elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet) and will increase as the day progress. Pockets of new soft slab will form on leeward aspects and may build to depths of 12 to 18 inches by the end of the day. Older slabs up to two feet in depth persist in isolated areas. Humans who venture into steep avalanche starting zones could trigger these slabs. The general avalanche hazard at the mid and lower elevations is expected to be LOW. Isolated pockets of new soft slab up to a foot deep will form on leeward aspects and could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones.