Tetons

On November 4 & 5 large slab avalanches released naturally on a crusty and faceted October snow layer. These events occurred at or near the end of a five day storm cycle that put up to 40 inches of new snow with over 4 inches of water on that old snow surface. This problem layer persist, however the loading event that caused these natural avalanches is long over and no new activity has been reported on this layer since the end of that storm cycle. It seems unlikely that a human could trigger a large slab avalanche on the October/November snow interface. Suspect slopes for that scenario would be north facing avalanche starting zones and cliff areas that are above an elevation of 8,500 feet. Due to the uncertainty of this assessment and the consequences involved, a conservative approach to suspect terrain remains warranted. Todays new snow and wind may begin to form very small pockets of new wind slab on leeward aspects. Grand Targhee Resort is closed to uphill travel while preparations are in progress for their opening on Friday.

Skies will be mostly clear overnight and into the morning hours. Increasing clouds are forecast for the afternoon, ahead of the next storm system. Temperatures will drop into the lower teens by morning and rise into the 20s and 30s during the day. Winds will decrease overnight and are expected to be from the west-southwest at 12 to 20 miles per hour. Mostly stable snow exists. The general avalanche hazard is forecast to be LOW. Today’s westerly winds likely formed some small pockets of shallow wind slab on leeward aspects at the higher elevations. In steep, north facing avalanche paths the interface between a late October snow surface and snow that fell in early November produced large slab avalanches on November 4 & 5. This layer warrants careful assessment and respect.