Togwotee Pass

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist throughout the Continental Divide/Togwotee area. Although the chance exists to trigger wind slabs formed during recent snowfall, the primary concern lies in the fact that the deeper portion of the snowpack has widespread weak snow layers and deep persistent slab avalanches could be triggered by a single person. These slides are most likely to occur in terrain above 8000 feet where they could be large to very large. As sunlight and rising temperatures further weaken them today, they will become more sensitive and could release naturally. Below 8000 feet avalanches are still possible but are expected to be much smaller. Conservative decision making is essential today and remember that even small slides can be enough to bury or kill someone.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure is to dominate. Expect mild temperature inversions in the morning and warmer highs at all elevations with temperatures at the 9000 feet reaching the low forties. All three forecast areas have the same problem types, wind slabs and deep persistent slabs, but they vary considerably in the extent and likelihood of those problems. In the Tetons, where the most snow was received, the chance of triggering a deep slab is becoming unlikely but it remains a slight possibility due to uncertainty associated with the forecast warm temperatures. Those warm temperatures will first weaken wind slab which, if triggered could then cause failure of deeper layers which could cause a very large avalanche. The danger will be Moderate in the morning and raise to Considerable in the afternoon. At Togwotee Pass, the snowpack is weaker and the triggering of deep layers is the primary concern. Just 2 days ago a snowmobile triggered an avalanche with an eight foot crown. Similar events remain possible, especially during the afternoon as warming weakens the snowpack. The danger will be Considerable above 8000 feet and Moderate below that elevation. In the Southwest Trails area, as has been the case a lot this season, it lies in between the other two areas. More snow has been received there than the Togwotee Pass area but not as much as in the Tetons. Triggering truly deep slab avalanches there is more likely than in the Tetons and they could be very large with depths to eight feet. As in the other areas, wind slabs also remain a threat. The danger rating there will also be Considerable and avalanches will be more sensitive to human triggers during the heat of the day.