Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE and will increase during the day as warming temperatures, new snowfall, and moderate to strong westerly winds continue to build soft slabs. By this afternoon, backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs up to 12 inches deep on steep, wind loaded avalanche prone slopes. Large triggers, such as snow machines, also have the potential to trigger dangerous hard slabs to three feet deep near cliff areas, ridge crests and cornices.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Three to six inches of new snow is expected overnight followed by an additional three to six during the day on Sunday. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds at 25 to 35 miles per hour will accompany tonight’s snowfall before decreasing slightly during the day. Overnight lows will be in the upper teens before rising into the low 20s tomorrow.The general avalanche hazard is expected to increase to CONSIDERABLE on Sunday. Strong winds, warming temperatures and new snowfall will combine to create dangerous avalanche conditions. By Sunday afternoon, backcountry travelers could trigger newly developed soft slabs up to two feet deep in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain. On high elevation slopes, in or around cliffs or areas where the snowpack is shallow, the potential persists for large loads to trigger deeper hard slabs failing near the base of the snowpack. These deeper instabilities are most prevalent in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails areas.