Togwotee Pass

At 5 AM this morning, mountain temperatures are about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. The general avalanche hazard will begin Low, but as the day warms the wet snow avalanche hazard is expected to increase at all elevations. Sunshine and significant warming could cause snow surfaces to destabilize and result in wet snow avalanches. These wet slides are expected to be small, although where weak, faceted snow is buried deep in the snowpack large, wet slides are possible. The above freezing temperatures will also increase the potential for cornices to fail. At the lowest elevations, where an unstable, isothermal snowpack has formed avalanche prove slopes should be avoided. Backcountry travelers should monitor the warming conditions and avoid being on or below steep slopes as they become wet.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Tomorrow clear skies are expected to continue and temperatures are forecasted to be about ten degrees warmer. Overnight mountain temperatures will drop into the teens and twenties and then are expected to climb into the thirties and forties with valleys reaching the fifties. Ridge top winds will be south to west at twenty to thirty miles per hour. Clear skies and cold temperatures will form stout crusts, and by morning the avalanche hazard is expected to be Low up to 10,500 feet. Then as the day warms, the wet snow avalanche hazard will increase at all elevations. Significant warming could cause snow surfaces to become unstable and result in wet snow avalanches. Above freezing temperatures, will also increase the potential for cornices to fail and glide avalanches to occur. Glide cracks have been recently observed in the Southwest Trials / Greys River Forecast Area. At the lowest elevations, where an unstable, isothermal snowpack has formed avalanche prone slopes should be avoided. Roof slide are also possible. Tomorrow, backcountry travelers should monitor the daily warming and avoid steep sunlit slopes after snow surfaces become wet.