Togwotee Pass

Areas of unstable snow exist. At the higher elevations strong southwest winds have drifted snow onto leeward aspects and formed soft surface slabs up to 18 inches deep. These slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person on steep avalanche prone slopes and are likely to become more sensitive to human triggers as the days warms. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Below that elevation the general avalanche hazard is LOW. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify and avoid areas of concern which include steep wind loaded slopes at the higher elevations and terrain traps at all elevations.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On and off light snowfall will continue in the mountains overnight through Friday. Snowfall accumulations of several inches are likely overnight and during the day on Friday. Winds will be southwest at 25 to 35 overnight and back to the south and decrease to 20 miles per hour on Friday. Temperatures in the mountain will rise into the 20s during the day. Winds slabs formed today will continue to gain depth and volume overnight. At the higher elevations (9,000 to 10,500 feet) the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. Humans who venture onto steep slopes with drifts of new snow could trigger wind slabs up to 18 inches in depth. Below an elevation of 9,000 feet the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW. Isolated pockets of wind slab six to 12 inches deep could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones.