Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

On November 4 & 5 large slab avalanches released naturally on a crusty and faceted October snow layer in the Teton Range. These events occurred at or near the end of a five day storm cycle that put up to 30 inches of new snow with over 3 inches of water on that old snow surface in the Greys River area. 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.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A quick moving system will swing through the area tonight and Tuesday. Light snowfall is forecast to begin in the morning and result in accumulations of 1 to 3 inches in the mountains by evening. Temperatures will drop in the 20s. Southwest winds will increase to 25 to 35 with gusts to 50 miles per hour.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. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW on Tuesday in the Teton and Southwest Trails area and MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet in the Togwotee Pass area.