Togwotee Pass

The snowpack in unstable on steep slopes and therefor avalanche conditions are dangerous. Thick slabs comprised of recent snowfall sit upon layers of weak faceted snow. Large to very large slab avalanches are likely to be easily triggered on steep slopes, especially above an elevation of 8,000 feet when the general avalanche hazard is considerable. Today's sunshine and warm temperatures will be increasing the hazard and the potential for snowmobilers and skiers to trigger these dangerous avalanches and for them to release naturally. If released these dangerous slab avalanches are likely to run long distances and be un-survivable. The hazard in terrain below an elevation of 8,000 is moderate. Down there slab avalanches are likely to be smaller but still large enough to kill or bury a person. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard and plan to avoid steep avalanche prone slopes and their run out zones.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will remain mostly clear as a high-pressure ridge continues to build into the region. Temperatures will be warmer and rise into the 20’s and 30’s in the mountains. Winds will be light at 10 to 15 miles per hour from the west to southwest.In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas the snowpack remains unstable. Large to very large avalanches could be easily triggered by humans, especially those on snowmachines, and could release naturally. These dangerous slides could be four to eight feet deep and may be triggered on steep slopes with previous tracks. Although these large and destructive slides could be triggered during the morning hours, sunshine and warming temperatures will be increasing the potential for these slides to be human triggered or release naturally as the days warms The general avalanche hazard is expected to be considerable and increasing in these areas.In the Teton area the potential for deep slab avalanches to occur is not as likely as the other areas. However dangerous deep slab avalanches 4 to 8 feet in depth are still a possibility, especially during the warmest portion of the day. Surface slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet deep could be triggered by skiers and riders on steep avalanche prone slopes in the early morning hours. As the day progresses and conditions get warmer these surfaces slab and wet snow slides will become likely on steep avalanche prone slopes. In Grand Teton National Park large slides could shed off hanging snowfields and overhanging slopes and impact backcountry travelers. The general avalanche hazard in the Tetons is expected to moderate in the early morning hours and increase to considerable. Monitor conditions for increasing hazards and plan to stay off and out from under steep slopes before significant warming occurs.