Togwotee Pass

Isolated pockets of hard wind slab exist. Yesterday backcountry skiers triggered a 20 inch deep hard slab on a southeast aspect of Teewinot Mountain at an elevation of 10,300 feet. This small surface slab was likely formed by recent northerly winds and failed on surface hoar and a sun crust. Although the snowpack is mostly stable and the general avalanche hazard is LOW riders or skiers who venture into steep terrain could trigger similar events today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A cold high pressure ridge with a north to northeast flow will remain over the area. Temperatures inversions will persist as warmer air continues to overrun the bitter cold air trapped in the valleys. Overnight lows will drop to around zero at the highest elevations and to near 20 below in the coldest valley locations. Daytime highs at all elevations will rise into the upper teens to mid 20s. Winds will be north to northwest at 15 to 20 miles per hour along the higher ridge crests.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW at all elevations in all areas. A mostly stable snowpack exists. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated shallow pockets. Skiers or riders who venture into steep couloirs or near cliff areas could trigger shallow wind slabs less than a foot deep.