At the high elevations six to eight inches of new snow and strong westerly to northwesterly winds have created pockets of slab in leeward terrain along ridge crests and summits. Backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger these slabs as well as loose snow sloughs in very steep avalanche terrain. Similar events could also occur at the upper portion of mid elevations on isolated terrain features. Caution is advised today as many obstacles lurk just under the snow surface and even small slides could result in serious injuries. Snow depths remain too low at the lower elevations for the avalanche danger to be rated.
Soft wind slabs lie above 9000 feet. These slabs could have depths to 18 inches and are most likely to be found in avalanche starting zones near ridges and in cliff bands.
Thanksgiving will be dry as a ridge of high pressure moves into the area. Some cloud cover occur as high clouds slip over the ridge. Morning temperatures are to be in the single digits in the mountains and valleys with highs reaching the mid-twenties at 9000 feet and the mid-thirties down low. The general avalanche danger will remain Moderate above 9000 feet in the Tetons and be Low below that elevation in the Tetons and in the other forecast areas, where less new snow has fallen. At high elevations in the Tetons soft wind slabs with depths over a foot and loose snow sloughing could be initiated by skiers and riders venturing into very steep avalanche starting zones. Avalanches are unlikely elsewhere. Recreationalists are encouraged to use caution as the snowpack remains shallow and terrain hazards are abundant.
