Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE and will rise with increasing temperatures. Areas of unstable snow persist on steep, wind-loaded aspects. Humans who venture onto steep, avalanche-prone slopes could trigger dense surface slab avalanches one to three feet in depth. In some areas these slabs may have the potential to step down into older layers of weak faceted snow buried deep in the snowpack. Wet-loose slides will be possible in the afternoon. Today's steadily rising temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers. Plan your day to avoid avalanche terrain, particularly in the afternoon, and do not sit below avalanche paths.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure will be over the region Sunday night and Monday with generally dry conditions. Temperatures at 9,500 feet will cool to the upper teens overnight then warm to the low 30s Monday. At low elevations morning lows will be similar with warmer daytime highs. Ridge top winds will be southwesterly at 25 miles per hour with stronger gusts.Snowpack stability will be very dependent on temperatures. On northerly, shaded slopes the chance of triggering slabs two to four feet in depth will continue in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. On all sunlit slopes the avalanche hazard will increase rapidly with direct sunlight. Wet-loose slides will be possible at lower elevations and human triggered slabs or slides started by snow falling from trees, cliffs or cornices will become more likely through the day. Small point slides have the potential to grow and pull out deeper slabs to four feet in depth on very steep slopes. The hazard is expected to be Moderate in the early morning hours then rise to Considerable as slopes receive direct sunlight. Avoid steep, sunlit slopes by late morning.