Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Soft slabs one to three feet in depth lie upon a base of weak faceted snow. In isolated areas, like the east face of Lava Mountain, deeper hard slabs up to five feet in depth persist. These dangerous slabs could be human triggered. With abundant sunshine and warm temperatures in the forecast the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers will increase as the day progresses. People tend to take greater risks when the skies are clear. Conservative terrain choices and restraint are essential as the consequences of triggering a slab avalanche could be fatal.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cool dry conditions are expected across the region through the weekend. On Saturday skies will be clear and winds will be light and variable. Temperatures will drop into the single digits overnight and rise into the 20s during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to MODERATE. Deep hard slabs up to five feet in depth continue to present a treat to humans who venture into steep avalanche paths that did not slide during the last storm cycle. These slabs could be human triggered especially by larger triggers such as snow machines. These slabs are problematic because in some cases they may be crossed multiple times before a weak spot is hit and the slab releases while in other areas where the snowpack is shallower they could be triggered by the weight of a single person. Clear skies tend to encourage people to take greater risks. Warming and sustained periods of sunshine will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers. Conservation terrain choices and restraint are essential as the consequences of triggering one of these slabs could be fatal.