Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard remains MODERATE. Two avalanche scenarios are possible today. First, surface slabs one to three feet in depth, which rest atop suncrusts and buried surface hoar, remain susceptible to human triggers. The second avalanche problem is deep slab instability, which is most problematic in areas that have a shallow, continental snowpack. In these shallower snowpacks, weak faceted snow lies beneath a supportable upper snowpack, which can give backcountry travelers a false sense of security. Yesterday, two snowmobilers triggered and were partially buried by a similar slide on an easterly aspect at 8,500 feet in the Snake River Range. Other similar events have occurred over the past few days and remain possible today. The consequences of being caught in one of these slides are severe, and caution is warranted.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Dry conditions are expected to continue on Sunday as the regions stays under the influence of cold arctic air. Overnight lows in the mountains should dip down to near negative 10 as the valley plummets to near 20 below zero. Daytime highs are expected to be in the single digits at all elevations. Ridgecrest winds are forecasted to be light at 5 to 15 mph out of the Northwest.Cold temperatures have led to little change in the snowpack. Two avalanche scenarios remain possible on Sunday. First, surface slabs one to three feet in depth, which rest atop suncrusts and buried surface hoar, remain susceptible to human triggers. These slides have the potential of carrying skiers or riders into terrain traps or over cliff bands. The second avalanche problem is deep slab instability, which is most problematic in the shallow, continental snowpacks of the Togwotee Pass and Greys River regions. These deep hard slabs, which carry severe consequences, could be initiated by skiers, riders, large groups, or smaller surface slabs.