Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE today. Dense slabs lie on an unstable snow pack made up of faceted snow. These slabs will be sensitive to loads such as snowmobiles and skiers and could release after the slabs have been ridden or crossed several times. Once triggered these slabs are likely to release to the ground with depths up to four feet at the higher elevations. Last week many natural and human triggered avalanches were reported in Togwotee Pass Area. Saturday a fatality occurred in the Kettle Creek drainage when an avalanche was triggered by a highmarking rider who became stuck and was assisted by another rider. Their combined presense caused the slab to release. Neither were wearing their avalanche transcievers at the time.