Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard remains MODERATE above an elevation of 8,000 feet. Strong Southeast winds have formed pockets of shallow surface slabs in steep leeward terrain. Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger these small slabs as well as hard slabs up to 30 inches deep that lie upon a persistent weak layer at the base of the snowpack. These hard slabs could be triggered by the first person on a slope or after a slope has been crossed multiple times. At the lower elevations the general avalanche hazard is LOW and avalanches are unlikely.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Southeast winds with averages above twenty miles per hour overnight are to veer to the Southwest as snowfall intensifies in the morning and continues throughout the day. Highs are to be in the mid twenties. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE early in the morning and increase to Considerable above an elevation of 8,000 feet as continued snow and winds build the size and sensitivity of surface slabs. Humans who venture onto steep avalanche prone slopes could trigger loose snow sluffs, pockets of soft surface slabs with depths up to two feet and possibly older hard slaps up to the ground. At the lower elevations the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.