Togwotee Pass

Steep avalanche paths without evidence of avalanche activity hold dense, unstable slabs that rest on a persistent layer of weak, faceted snow. These slabs may be easily triggered by the weight of a single person on some slopes, while other suspect slopes may be crossed several times before a skier or rider hits a weak spot and triggers a dangerous avalanche. Slabs depths range from 18 inches in depth at the lower elevations (below 8000 feet) to 30 inches in depth at the mid and upper elevations. Unpredictable conditions require careful snow and terrain evaluation to avoid features of concern. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Skies are expected to clear Sunday night with mostly sunny skies on tap for Monday. Mountain temperatures will warm from morning lows in the mid teens to daytime highs in the low 30s. Ridge crest winds will be northwesterly at 15 miles per hour in the morning backing to westerly and slowing in the afternoon. Steep avalanche paths that have not seen avalanche activity from last weekend's storm hold dense, unstable slabs that rest on a persistent weak layer. People venturing into steep terrain could trigger slab avalanches up to three feet in depth at the mid and upper elevations. Suspect slopes could be crossed several times before a skier or rider hits a weak spot that triggers a dangerous avalanche. Forecasted warm temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs particularly on steep, sunlit slopes. Careful terrain evaluation is essential to identify and avoid areas of concern. Triggered avalanches large or small will be very dangerous.Isolated pockets of slabs to 18 inches in depth could be user triggered at low elevations in very steep areas such as ravines.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations and LOW at the lower elevations but will increase with significant warming.