Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,000 feet. Pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches deep could be triggered by riders or skiers who venture onto steep avalanche prone slopes or into terrain traps. In addition deeper hard slabs up to three feet in depth lie upon hard buried crusts and could be released by the weight of a single person or more likely by larger triggers such as groups of people on sleds or by highmarkers on steep slopes. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet where the general avalanche hazard is LOW.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A very cold air mass with a strong northwest flow will remain over the area through Thanksgiving Day. Limited moisture in the flow will keep variable clouds and light snowfall or flurries at times over the mountains. Temperatures will rise to near zero from overnight lows near 20 below zero. Winds will west-northwesterly at 25 miles per hour at the summit level. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at an elevation of 7,500 to 10,500 feet and LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet. At these higher elevations dense wind slabs up to two feet deep and dangerous hard slabs up to four feet in depth exist in cliff areas and the starting zones of active avalanche paths. People, especially those in groups or on snowmachines, could trigger these slabs. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.