Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. New snow and winds will create areas of easily triggered soft slabs on steep, lee slopes. The new snow will sit on weak, faceted snow from the dry Thanksgiving period. Above 9,000 feet, isolated pockets of deeper dense slabs down to 18 inches lie upon weak, old snow surfaces. Some potential persists for backcountry travelers to trigger slides of this hard snow in steep, wind-loaded starting zones. Below 9,000 feet, the snowpack is shallow and avalanche activity is unlikely.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High level clouds and cooler air will move into the region Monday night ahead of a weather system that will impact the area by Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday will be windy as the storm system arrives. Light snow by early Tuesday morning will increase in intensity during the day then taper by late night. Mountain winds will be from the southwest at 35 to 40 miles per hour with higher gusts. Daytime highs will reach only the upper teens. Mountain snowfall totals are forecasted in the 4 to 7 inch range. The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to increase to Moderate or higher. The new snow will be driven by strong winds and rapidly build sensitive slabs on lee slopes. The new snow will fall on weak, faceted snow that has developed on light density snow from the Thanksgiving period. Under the light density snow is a firm, dense layer from the earlier warm storms that will provide a good surface for slides. Backcountry travelers should watch rapidly changing conditions carefully and be prepared to alter plans as needed.