Togwotee Pass

New snow has been drifted onto lee slopes increasing the sensitivity of isolated pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth that rest on a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar on a hard crust. These slabs could be human triggered on steep avalanche-prone slopes. Larger triggers such as more than one person at a time on a slope or snow machines are more likely to start avalanches. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully to identify features of concern. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where snow depths are generally less than than a foot.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light snowfall is possible over the peaks Sunday evening with clearing Monday. Morning temperatures at 9,500 feet will be in the low teens warming to the mid 20s during the day. Winds will be west to southwesterly at 10 to 15 along the ridges. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. The new snow, which came in warm, will stabilize with time and colder temperatures. On steep, northerly aspects at mid and upper elevations slabs to two feet in depth could be triggered by backcountry travelers. Stronger triggers such as the second or later person on a slope or snowmachines may be necessary to initiate avalanches. The new snow has also increased the chance for people to trigger deeper, persistent slabs to two feet in depth on northerly aspects above 8500 feet. The hazard will be Low at elevations below 8500 feet where avalanches are unlikely.