Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 8500 feet. Snowmobilers and skiers have the potential to trigger dense surface slabs to eighteen inches in depth in steep wind loaded terrain. The possibility also continues to trigger deeper hard slabs in areas where a persistent weak layer exists near the base of the snowpack.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A Winter Storm Warning is in effect through Friday morning. Heavy snow overnight is to taper off Friday afternoon. High temperatures in the mountains are to reach the low twenties and winds are to be southwesterly with averages near thirty miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard on Friday is expected to be Considerable and may possibly increase to High depending on the actual amount of precipitation and wind provided by this storm. Soft slabs that lie upon lighter snow layers and hard snow surfaces are expected to be very sensitive to human triggers and may have depths to two feet. In some areas large loads or triggered surface slabs may cause the release of deeper hard slabs where weak basal layers persist.