Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations. Over two feet of new snow since Thursday combined with strong winds have created slabs to three feet in depth. The slabs rest on two feet of rotten, faceted snow. Activities such as high marking or more than one person at a time on a slope are likely to trigger very dangerous avalanches that could pull out the entire snowpack to the ground. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential for safe travel today.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The snowfall will diminish from the northwest to the southeast this evening. Periods of heavy snowfall will likely persist over the Salt River Range, the Wyoming Range and the Wind River Range for a longer time tonight. Lighter snowfall is expected in other areas and in these ranges by morning. New snow accumulations of four to eight inches are possible overnight. Temperatures will be much cooler with overnight lows dropping to near 10 degrees in the mountains and into the mid teens in the valleys. On Sunday skies will be overcast with light snowfall. Daytime accumulations of several inches are possible in the mountains. Temperatures will rise into the mid teens in the mountains and into the mid 20s at the lower elevations. Winds will be west at 20 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE. Avalanche conditions have been very dangerous. The colder temperatures, significant decrease in the snowfall intensity and diminishing winds will result in a down grade to dangerous avalanche conditions. These conditions will lessen the potential for natural avalanche activity to occur, however natural avalanche activity will still be possible, especially in the ranges that continue to receive heavy snowfall overnight. The potential for humans to trigger large dangerous avalanches with fatal consequences will remain high. Larger triggers such as snow machines are especially vulnerable. Expert terrain analysis skills and restraint are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.