At the upper elevations, there is a chance for backcountry skiers, riders, and hikers to trigger recently formed slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain. Although not as sensitive as they were during the rapid loading that occurred Saturday, these slabs can still be triggered by a single person. They are expected to increase in size and sensitivity today as they are further loaded by additional snowfall. At mid elevations, avalanches are unlikely except in isolated terrain features near 9000 feet. The snowpack at low elevations remains too shallow for avalanche danger. All recreationalists are encouraged to use caution in the mountains as even small avalanches can knock someone into rocks and trees and non-avalanche hazards lurk just beneath the surface.
Soft to hard wind slabs could be human triggered in high, steep avalanche terrain. These slabs lie upon faceted snow and could have depths up to 12 inches. New snow will increase their sensitivity and will also form new shallow soft slabs.
(11/6/2022) Photo: Antonioli
On Saturday, the rapid loading of warm dense snow that was accompanied by very strong winds created sensitive avalanche conditions. Over two inches of moisture was associated with that storm in the Tetons with the other areas receiving lesser amounts. This storm fell on a shallow settled snowpack topped with faceted snow and surface hoar. In some areas, crusts can also be found near the faceted layer. Although sensitive on Saturday, that warm and heavy snow is settling, and slab failure is becoming harder to initiate. Keep your guard up as weak snow is still present as indicated by the collapse that can be found in the mountains above 8500’. This week is forecasted to bring 2 days of warm and wet snow followed by colder and drier snowfall on Thursday and Friday. Avalanche danger will increase at the upper elevations as the early season snowpack is further loaded.
