Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. The snowpack is underlain by a persistent layer of weak faceted snow and depth hoar. The chance continues for backcountry travelers to trigger hard slab avalanches to this weak layer in steep avalanche terrain. Failure may occur due to larger loads such as snowmobiles and may happen when a weak spot on the slope is hit, even after a slope has been crossed several times.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow is to fall across the mountains and valleys overnight and through the day on Thursday. Snowfall amounts of six inches to a foot of new snow are possible during this time. Temperatures are to rise into the low twenties and winds are to be southwesterly at 15 to 20 mph. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate in the Togwotee Pass and Teton forecast areas and Considerable in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area. Backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger hard slab avalanches to the base of the snowpack in steep avalanche terrain. These slabs may fail when a weak spot or trigger point is hit even after a slope has been crossed several times. Larger loads such as snowmobiles or groups of skiers have a greater potential to trigger these weaknesses. Loose snow sluffs and soft surface slabs will become sensitive as new snow accumulates during the day.