Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE. Dangerous slabs that could be greater than three feet in depth can be triggered on a variety of aspects today. These slabs lie upon a very weak faceted snowpack and although gaining strength, could still be triggered by a lone rider if he hits a weak point on a slope or by larger triggers such as groups.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The high pressure ridge will remain over the area Wednesday Night and Thursday with dry conditions, thermal inversions and light winds. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE in the Greys River/Southwest Trails area and MODERATE in the Teton and Togwotee Pass/ Continental Divide areas. Unstable slabs up to four feet in depth persist especially on steep northerly aspects and in cliff areas. The slabs could release under the weight of humans, especially heavier triggers such as several skiers or a snowmachine or multiple snowmachines. On steep unstable slopes, a later single skier could trigger a dangerous slab by crossing a weak trigger point that earlier skiers on the same slope missed. Conservative choices are essential as the potential to trigger large deep slabs persist and consequences are severe. The general avalanche hazard below 7,500 feet is expected to be LOW.