MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19

 Good morning. This is Doug Chabot from the Gallatin National Forest
 Avalanche Center with an early season Avalanche Information Bulletin.

 Today is Monday, November 19th at 8:30 a.m. and this information will
 be updated Wednesday afternoon, November 21st.


 MOUNTAIN WEATHER

 Over the weekend the mountains got a mixture of rain and snow. Most of
 our weather stations are at 8,000 feet, which measured temperatures
 only slightly above freezing. The Bridgers got an inch of snow while
 the Gallatins and Madisons picked up 2-3. Cooke City, always a little
 more Alaskan, received 10 of snow. In the next 36 hours we should pick
 up another 2-4 inches from a moist, cold air mass driving in from the
 west. Temperatures should drop into the 20s and it should feel more
 like winter.


 SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHES

 Ever so slowly the mountain snowpack is getting deeper. From the
 Bridgers to West Yellowstone 18-24 of snow are on the ground above
 8,000 while Cooke Citys got a respectable 40 inches. The good news
 with all this warm weather is that its consolidating and strengthening
 the snowpack. Strong, early season snow forms a solid base that can
 hold whatever winter dishes out without avalanching to the ground.

 Although the warm weather hasnt created great skiing (or ice for
 climbing), it has formed a solid foundation for future snows.


 Im hoping for a few good turns on Thanksgiving. 
 week remember a few key things: First, if theres enough snow on the
 ground to ski, theres enough to avalanche. Second, get in the habit of
 only exposing one person at a time in avalanche terrain. Third, carry
 rescue gear and put fresh batteries in your avalanche beacon. Use
 alkaline batteries and not the expensive Lithiumthese last a while,
 but die off abruptly. For example, your beacon may read 80% battery
 power in the morning, but stop working in the afternoon.