Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE. An estimated foot of new snow has fallen on top of Togwotee Pass and east of the Continental Divide in the past two days. Only a few inches of new snow appears to have accumulated west of the divide. Increased winds overnight have created sensitive soft slabs to two feet in depth on steep, lee slopes. The possibility of triggering hard slab avalanches also exists on steep areas with northerly aspects with old, weak snow layers.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )An upper trough is forecasted to move over the region from the west bringing moderate snowfall overnight. Accumulations of 5 to 10 inches of new snow are expected by midday Monday. Temperatures will cool off to the mid teens overnight and warm little during the day. Winds will increase to 35 M.P.H. along the ridges, with stronger gusts. With easily triggered and natural activity occurring before current totals and another several inches of new snow with strong winds expected, the avalanche danger is expected to remain HIGH at upper elevations in the Tetons. The light-density, new snow will be worked into easily triggered slabs by forecasted winds. Most hard slab events have occurred on north and east aspects at upper elevations where faceted layers have been developing for some time. The Southwest Trails/Greys River areas, Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass areas and Mid elevations in the Tetons are expected to have a Considerable Hazard Monday.