Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Snowfall continuing through the day is building easily triggered soft slabs to a foot in depth on steep slopes. The slabs are developing on weak, light density snow that rests on slick sun crusts or firm wind packed snow. Evaluate snow and terrain features carefully. Avoid road cuts, ravines and steep slopes.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) A strong area of low pressure will move across the region bringing moderate to heavy snowfall Tuesday night through Wednesday. Snowfall amounts by Wednesday evening will be 12 to 15 inches in the Wyoming and Salt ranges, 6 to 12 inches in the Tetons and 5 to 7 inches in the Togwotee Pass area. Temperatures will be in the upper teens Wednesday morning and warm only a few degrees during the day. Ridge top winds will be southerly overnight at 20 to 25 miles per hour then veer to southwesterly during the morning and increase to 40 miles per hour with stronger gusts before slowing in the afternoon.The new snow will be falling on weak, light density snow over wind crusts, wind pack and surface hoar depending on local variations. This combination with strong winds will create easily triggered slabs that will build rapidly through the day. The avalanche hazard is expected to rise to CONSIDERABLE in the Tetons, MODERATE in the Togwotee Pass area and may build to a HIGH rating in the Salt River/Wyoming Ranges.