Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard remains MODERATE but will be increasing during the day. Yesterdays strong northwest winds added additonal loads and likely hardened the surface of existing slabs. Harder slab surfaces may enable backcountry travellers to get further out onto these slabs or cross them multiple times before they fail with severe consequences. Yesterday two separate reports of skiers partially buried by avalanche debris were recieved. With new snow and increasing winds in the forecast caution is advised.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a dry night, snowfall will return to the mountains during the day on Saturday. Potential storm accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible by Sunday afternoon. Southwest winds are forecast to increase during the day with average wind speeds of 42 MPH and gusts to 64 MPH expected by Saturday afternoon. Temperatures will rise into the 20's. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER / SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS:The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain MODERATE, but be on the increase in the afternoon. Existing surface slabs recieved additional snow loads from strong west to northwest winds Friday morning. Backcountry users could trigger slab avalanches up to several feet deep on steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.