Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. New snow and strong westerly winds are creating an increasing chance for humans to trigger slabs to 18 inches in depth on avalnche-prone terrain. Warming temperatures will further weaken the snowpack. The new snow rests on a weak snowpack and slides could pull out deeper old snow to the ground. At lower elevations with weak, thin snowpack very warm temperatures and rain will cause slides on road cuts, ravines and from roof tops.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. ) Moderate to heavy snowfall is expected overnight and through Wednesday. Accumulations of another 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday evening. Temperatures will warm to near freezing at upper elevations and rain is possible at lower elevations. Winds will continue westerly and increase to 40 mile per hour averages with stronger gusts through the day. Easily triggered or naturally releasing slabs will continue to grow in size and distribution. Warming temperatures will add to this lethal combination and increase the chance of avalanches. People who travel on avalanche terrain or in run-out zones should expect to be caught in avalanches. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH in the Tetons and Greys River areas.At low elevations rain will rapidly overwhelm the weak snowpack. Natural, heavy and dangerous slides will be possible in steep areas like road cuts, ravines or from roof tops.In the Togwotee Pass area the hazard is expected to be Moderate. Concern continues in this area that a person may release a deeper, hard slab avalanche to three feet in depth on steep, upper elevation slide paths. There will also be an increasing chance for backcountry travelers to release new, soft slab avalanches with forecasted new snow and strong winds.