Togwotee Pass

New snow has been drifted onto lee slopes increasing the sensitivity of isolated pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth that rest on a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar on a hard crust. These slabs could be human triggered on steep avalanche-prone slopes. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where snow depths are generally less than than a foot.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A significant weather system will bring moderate to heavy snow to the mountains of western Wyoming through Sunday afternoon with the Tetons expected to receive 12 inches or more. The Southwest Trails/Greys River area and Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass area will be less favored with five to six inches of accumulation expected. Ridge top winds will be westerly in the 20s with stronger gusts. Temperatures will remain in the twenties into Sunday morning then cool to the teens by Sunday evening.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate and will increase with forecasted snowfall. New snow will be easily drifted to lee slopes creating sensitive soft slabs that will build to dangerous depths. The new snow will increase the chance for people to trigger deeper, persistent slabs to two feet in depth on northerly aspects above 8500 feet. The hazard will be Low at elevations below 8500 feet where avalanches are unlikely.