Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. An estimated sixteen inches of new snow has fallen on top of Togwotee Pass and east of the Continental Divide in the past three days. Only a few inches of new snow appears to have accumulated west of the divide. Winds increased Monday and Monday night and have created easily triggered soft slabs to thirty inches in depth on steep, lee slopes. The possibility of triggering hard slab avalanches also exists on steep areas with northerly aspects with old, weak snow layers.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Strong, 40 mile per hour average southwest winds will continue through Tuesday with light snow and temperatures rising only into the low teens.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE Tuesday. Large, dangerous hard-slab avalanches to five feet in depth could be easily released by humans who venture onto steep terrain that has received ample drifting snow at mid and upper elevations. Careful route finding and avalanche hazard avoidance skills will be required for travel in the backcountry.