Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE. New snow over the past week has developed into surface slabs that could be triggered in steep areas below ridges. If triggered, these surface slabs have the ability to step down to a persistent layer of weak, faceted snow comprising the lower portion of the snowpack. A snowmobiler on Mount Leidy triggered such a slide Saturday. It was reported to be 6 feet deep at the crown. Five sledders died in avalanches across the Rockies Saturday. Carry avalanche probes, shovels and transceivers and practice in their use if travelling in avalanche country.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall should continue heavy until early morning Monday. Up to 6 inches are expected in the Tetons and Greys River Ranges with 3 inches in the Togwotee area. Winds will be strong at 30 to 35 mph from the Southwest until evening when they will veer to Northwesterly and slow to 15 to 20 mph. Temperatures will cool to the low teens overnight then warm to twenty Monday. Light snow will linger into Monday but little accumulation is expected.The Avalanche Hazard, currently at MODERATE throughout the region will increase with new snow and wind. The Southwest Trails/Greys River area has received similar weather to the Teton area but an early season shallow snowpack developed weak, faceted snow that reamains a concern for full depth avalanches. The Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass area received less recent snow but the shallow snowpack there consists of a ridable shell over mostly faceted snow that could fail to the ground.