Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE, and will rise to CONSIDERABLE in the afternoon with clearing skies. Sunshine will weaken the snow surface and cause wet loose sloughs on sunlit slopes which could build to a dangerous size. Backcountry travelers could also trigger surface slabs one to two feet in depth on Northerly slopes. These slabs will become more susceptible to failure as the day warms. Layers of weak, faceted snow lurk at the mid and base levels of the snowpack and could fail under the influence of more substantial triggers such as surface slides, snowmobiles or groups. Pay attention to the amount of heating and adjust plans accordingly if signs of significant warming are observed.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) An upper ridge of high pressure will keep skies mostly sunny Wednesday morning with 9500 foot highs expected to reach the upper thirties. Clouds and southwest wind speeds will increase in the afternoon as a trough of low pressure approaches the area. The General Avalanche Hazard will begin at MODERATE Wednesday morning and may increase to CONSIDERABLE if skies remain clear into the afternoon. Wet, loose slides starting from skiers, riders, snow sloughing off cliffs or cornice drops could build to dangerous size. Steep northerly aspects hold pockets of slabs to two feet deep that could be triggered. Deeper slides are possible in areas with shallower overall snowpacks like the Continental Divide area.