Togwotee Pass

New snow and strong winds have increased the load on unstable slabs and created dangerous conditions in active avalanche paths. The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. Dense surface slabs one to three feet in depth lie upon lighter density snow. These slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person and may release naturally and run long distances. In isolated areas with huge deposits of wind drifted snow, like the east face of Lava Mountain, dangerous hard slabs up to six feet in depth could be triggered, especially by larger loads such as high marking snowmachines.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A strong, fast moving storm system will bring moderate to heavy snowfall to the region overnight. New snow accumulations of six to 12 inches in the mountains and three to six inches in the valleys are forecasted. West to northwest winds at 30 to 40 with gusts to 60 miles per hour will accompany this snowfall. On Saturday the snowfall and winds will slowly diminish. Temperatures will be in the upper teens and low 20s. The new snow and strong winds are expected to increase the avalanche hazard and create dangerous conditions. Slabs avalanches two to four in depth are expected to release naturally at the higher elevations and could run long distances. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH in the Greys River/Southwest Trails Area, at the upper elevations of the Teton Area and CONDSIDERABLE in the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide Trails Area. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high hazard.