Togwotee Pass

The General Avalanche Hazard is MODERATE. Surface slabs formed earlier in the week lie to depths of 18" in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain. These slabs have gained strength but could be triggered by backcountry skiers or riders today and will increase in sensitivity as sunlight and warming weaken them. Warming will also present the potential of wet slides this afternoon, involving the newer snow as well as the older snowpack.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies are expected to clear on Thursday, after a fast moving system passing through during the night potentially deposits an inch of snow in the mountains and light rain at the base. Mountain temperatures are to rise into the forties during the afternoon after falling to into the mid twenties during the evening. Winds are expected to be light on Thursday.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate in the upper elevations where the chance remains for human triggered slab avalanches to two feet in depth in steep wind loaded terrain. Rising temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs as well as provide for the possibility of small wet slides. At lower elevations where little new snow fell and the old snowpack is shallow or non-existent, the hazard is expected to be LOW in the morning and may rise to Moderate in the afternoon as the potential for wet slides increases.