Togwotee Pass

At the higher elevations the general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Strong and gusty southwest to west winds have formed dense surface slabs up to two feet in depth. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 8,500 feet these slabs lie upon weak faceted snow and hard crusts and could be human triggered. Below an elevation of 8,500 feet the general avalanche hazard is LOW and avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets on very steep wind loaded aspects.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will be cloudy with periods of light snow. Winds will be west to northwest at 20 to 30 miles per hour with higher gusts. Mountain temperatures will be in the single digits to low 20s.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet). Areas of unstable snow exist on steep northerly aspects where fresh wind slabs have formed upon faceted snow and a hard crust. Pockets of slab one to two feet in depth could be triggered by humans in steep avalanche starting zones. The general avalanche hazard at the mid and lower elevations is expected to be LOW.