Since Saturday, November 7, there has been up to 2 feet of snow with 2 inches of water. Above 8,500 feet on east through north to west aspects, the recent snow is over preexisting snow from October. There, it is possible for backcountry travelers to trigger slab avalanches up to 2 feet in depth. In most areas below 8,500 feet, avalanche activity is unlikely. Keep in mind, early season conditions exist and even a small slide or sluff could have severe consequences if a victim is swept into bare, rocky terrain.
Southerly to westerly ridgetop winds have gusted into the 20s to 40s and formed wind slabs on leeward slopes. At the upper elevations, where these slabs have formed over a melt-freeze crust from the October snow, wind slab avalanches are possible. To travel with caution, avoid wind loaded slopes and check for old snow surfaces below the new snow.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow will continue to fall overnight with a few inches of accumulation and then is expected to taper off by morning. Tomorrow skies will be partly cloudy and mountain temperatures will be in the single digits to teens. Winds will be westerly at 10 to 20 miles per hour with higher ridgetop gusts.On Thursday in the Tetons and Togwotee Pass forecast areas, the avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9,000 feet and below that elevation Low. In Grey's River/Southwest Trails forecast area, the avalanche hazard is expected to be Low. At the upper elevations, where the new snow lies over the preexisting snow from October, backcountry travelers may be able to trigger slab avalanches up to 2 feet in depth. Due to the recent snowfall and wind, it is prudent to give the snowpack time before venturing into steeper avalanche-prone terrain. Also, early season conditions exist, and even a small slide could result in severe consequences if the victim is swept into bare, rocky terrain. It is an important time of year to practice patience.
