Togwotee Pass

At the upper elevations strong west winds and new snow are increasing the hazard and creating dangerous avalanche conditions. New soft slabs up to two feet in depth are are expected to be easily triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain. Some potential may exists for these slabs to steep down to depths of four feet in areas with a persistent weak layer of faceted snow at the base of the snowapck. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A high impact storm will move over the region. The current snowfall is expected to increase in intensity and continue through the night and into Saturday morning. Additional accumulations of 8 to 16 inches in the mountains and 5 to 10 inches in the valleys are expected. Very strong west winds with speeds of 40 and gusts to 60 miles per hour will accompany the snowfall. Temperatures will drop into the single digits. These conditions will combine to create bitter wind chills and areas of blowing snow that could severely limit visibility.The general avalanche hazard will rapidly increase overnight and is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the higher elevations and MODERATE at the mid elevations on Saturday. Rapid loading will create new soft slabs up to two feet deep on leeward aspects. These slabs will be unstable on steep slopes and are likely to be easily triggered by skiers or riders and could release naturally. Some potential may persist for these surface slabs to step down to persistent weak layers buried deeper in the snowpack. Excellent terrain evaluation skills and a conservative approach to avalanche terrain will be necessary for safe travel in the mountains. At the lower elevations the new snow will accumulate on mostly bare ground and therefore the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.