Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. Strong southwest to west winds have formed new soft and hard surface slabs up to one foot deep on leeward aspects. Stay off the sides of steep ravines and drainages where small slides can pile up to dangerous depths. The greater danger lies in deeper hard slabs to six feet that lie upon old rotten, faceted snow. The possibility of triggering these slabs persists, particularly on very steep slopes that have shallow, weak points.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A cold front and associated band of snow showers will move over the area tonight and bring more snow to the western Wyoming mountains with higher accumulations expected in the southern areas. The snowfall will slowly diminish during the day on Thursday with several additional inches of accumulation possible. Temperatures will fall overnight and are expected to be in the upper single digits on the summits in the morning and rise into the upper teens by afternoon. Winds will decrease overnight and increase again late Thursday afternoon. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche danger is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Thursday. Surface slabs up to two feet in depth are likely to be easily triggered by single skiers in steep wind loaded starting zones. The Strawberry Creek event indicates the potential to trigger DANGERDOUS slabs up to six feet in depth persist. Suspect areas are likely very steep wind loaded slopes and cliff areas that had a shallow faceted snowpack before the end of the year storm cycle began. Snowmachines and groups are most likely to trigger these large dangerous slabs. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.