Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE at all elevations. Over two feet of new snow ending Saturday night combined with strong winds to create slabs to three feet in depth. The slabs rest on two feet of rotten, faceted snow. The instability will persist. Previous tracks on a slope are not a sign of stability. Activities such as high marking or more than one person at a time on a slope are likely to trigger very dangerous avalanches that could pull out the entire snowpack to the ground. Yesterday a snowmobiler was buried with one boot showing near Teton Pass. He was recovered unhurt by his companions. He triggered the avalanche from low on a steep slope. Another snowmobiler was completely buried in the Greys River area. He was recovered and resuscitated by companions. His current condition was not available. Similar events are possible today. Periods of sunshine will make slopes much more sensitive to triggers. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully to identify features of concern.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light snow will develop Tuesday evening and continue at times through Wednesday. Mountain temperatures will rise from the single digits Wednesday morning to the mid 20s during the day. Ridge top winds will be westerly at 20 to 25 miles per hour.The avalanche danger will continue to be CONSIDERABLE in the Tetons and Greys River areas Wednesday. As today's avalanche events showed the weak foundation of this year's snowpack translates to prolonged periods of instability after new storm events. Crusts, faceted snow, buried light density snow and periods of sunshine combine to create lethal conditions on avalanche prone terrain. Events similar to those on Tuesday should be expected Wednesday particularly with any periods of sunshine.The hazard is expected to be MODERATE in the Togwotee Pass area where two feet or more of storm snow sits on another two feet of very weak, faceted snow to the ground. Multiple people on a slope at the same time or high marking in snow machines are likely triggers for dangerous avalanches on steep terrain.