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This is an archived product. View the most recent forecast or all archived forecasts.

General Avalanche Information Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Issued
Monday, November 2, 2026 - 2:00PM
Expires
Saturday, November 14, 2026 - 12:00PM
Author
Gabrielle Antonioli

The Bottom Line

Winter is settling into the mountains, slowly but surely. Several October storms have turned the high slopes white, while weeks of warm, dry weather have melted the snow cover on sunny slopes. On shady, upper-elevation terrain, you can find anywhere from 6 inches of snow to 1-2 feet, with wind drifting deeper pockets. The odds of finding a layered snowpack over a foot deep increase with elevation gain and where the wind has drifted the snow deeper near ridgelines.

We will update this General Avalanche Information product as more snow accumulates.

Forecast Discussion

We will update this General Avalanche Information post throughout the fall. Our daily Backcountry Avalanche Forecasts will begin when there's adequate snow to ride and slide.

Fall Gear Check
Now is the time to check your kit at home:

  • Beacon: Put in fresh batteries of the type your manufacturer recommends, check for corrosion and cracks, update the firmware, and do a practice search with your partners!
  • Airbag: Practice-deploy it if your manufacturer recommends it, then refill or weigh the canister (or charge the battery and update firmware on electric packs) and repack it carefully.
  • Probe and shovel: Assemble and lock them several times, and check for bent, cracked, or sticky parts.
  • And all the rest: Restock first-aid and repair kits, charge radios, and check skins, bindings, and crampons.

Learn Before the Season

  • Wyoming Snow and Avalanche Workshop (WYSAW): November 13–14, 2026, Center for the Arts, Jackson, WY. Registration details are here.
  • Not a workshop person? Check out The Avalanche Hour podcast for tips, stories, and early-season wisdom here.

Media

Mountain Weather

Issued
Monday, November 2, 2026 - 2:38PM
Author
Gabrielle Antonioli

The Halloween weekend storm was the biggest of the season so far,  with the rain/snow line dropping to around 7,500 feet. The mountain picked up 6-10 inches of snow, with most accumulating above 8,000 feet.

The storm has moved east into Wyoming, and a quiet, mostly dry week follows. Leftover moisture from the storm will keep low clouds and patchy fog around in the valleys, including the Wood River Valley, tonight and Tuesday morning. Mountain temperatures will stay steady through Friday, with highs near or slightly below normal for early November. Expect valley highs in the 40s °F and overnight lows in the low 20s °F around Stanley and the mid-to-upper 20s °F near Ketchum. Two weak disturbances, one late Tuesday and another Thursday afternoon into Friday morning, will bring extra clouds and a slight chance of light mountain snow showers, though no significant accumulation is expected.

A stronger change arrives this weekend. High pressure builds directly over the region, bringing clear, dry weather and a steady warming trend. Temperatures should climb above normal by late in the weekend, with valley highs near 50°F, and the warmth will likely hold into early next week. No storms are expected through at least early next week.

This information is provided by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and describes general backcountry avalanche hazard and conditions. It does not apply to ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation is conducted.