Persistent weak layers one to two feet below the snow's surface remains the primary hazard. At the higher elevations (above 8,000 feet) skiers and riders could trigger persistent slab avalanches on steep avalanche prone slopes. As slopes are loaded by the new snowfall and wind transport, depending on the duration and intensity, slabs could become more sensitive to triggers. Although persistent slab avalanches are the main concern, increasing winds will transport loose snow and could form wind slabs along ridges and other terrain features. Backcountry travelers should monitor changes in conditions and use careful terrain selection.
The snowpack on Togwotee Pass is mostly thin, unconsolidated, and weak. In areas with a deeper snowpack and where a slab has formed, skiers and riders could encounter dangerous avalanche conditions. In these conditions, tracks on slopes should NOT be taken as signs of stability. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet except on isolated terrain features.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )An approaching trough is expected to bring light snowfall late tonight into Saturday morning with an accumulation of only a few inches. Southwesterly winds will increase into the twenties gusting in the thirties and forties. Mountain temperatures will be in the low to mid-teens. Dangerous persistent slab avalanches remain the primary hazard across the forecast area. These avalanches have the potential to be very large with slab depths to four feet and could be triggered by the weight of a single person. As slopes are loaded by the new snowfall and wind transport, depending on the duration and intensity, slabs could become more sensitive to triggers. Although persistent slab avalanches are the main concern, increasing winds will transport loose snow and could form wind slabs along ridges and other terrain features. The avalanche hazard above 7,500 feet is expected to be Considerable in the Grey’s River forecast area and Moderate in the Teton and Togwotee Pass forecast areas. Backcountry travelers should monitor changes in conditions and use careful terrain selection.
