Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE today. Strong west-northwest winds have transported snow along the highest ridgelines and contributed to cornice development. A snowslide triggered by this loading was observed yesterday morning in the southern Teton Range. Slabs up to several feet deep exist at the mid and upper elevations and lie upon a persistant problem layer of buried faceted snow. These slabs have some potential to be triggered by a single skier or snowmachiner on steep slopes even if that slope has been previously crossed multiple times.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A blocking high pressure ridge continues to remain over the area Saturday. This high will keep North to Northwest flows over the Western mountains. Weak low pressure troughs will move South in the Northerly flow bringing periods of high level clouds to the West. Temperature inversions will create areas of morning valley fog beneath partly cloudy skies. Temperatures will rise into the 20's at the upper elevations.AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AREAS AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAThe general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at mid and upper elavations (10,500 to 7,500 feet) on Saturday.Consistent winds at ridgetop levels have deposited available snow on lee slopes. At the mid and upper elevations slabs up to several feet in depth exist.These slabs have failed on a persistent buried weak layer of faceted snow. These slabs may release after the slope has been skied or riden on several times. At the lower elevations (below 7,500 feet) avalanches are unlikely except in isolated pockets. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as expected conditions can change overnight due to unexpected weather developments and new information may become available.