Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Skiers and riders who venture onto steep avalanche terrain and cliff areas could trigger surface slabs up to two feet deep or deep hard slabs up to six feet deep on a weak layer of faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. Such a deep hard slab was reported to have occurred Friday afternoon on Lava Mountain where the East face slid to the ground. The trigger for this large, destructive slide is not certain but remaining tracks indicate it could have been from multiple sleds being on the slope at one time. Use caution and assisting others who are stuck in avalanche terrain is never recommended.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a dusting of snow fall that is expected in the mountains tonight, skies should become partly cloudy on Sunday with mountain high temperatures to remain in the low teens throughout the day. Winds are to lessen overnight to averages of 10-20 from the West. The avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Sunday. A slight chance remains to trigger surface slabs from recent snow to depths of three feet in very steep avalanche terrain and cliff areas. In a few areas the potential also remains for larger loads such as snowmachines to trigger deep hard slabs up to six feet in depth.