Banner Summit
Lawinengefahr
Kernpunkte
Generally stable avalanche conditions exist, and large avalanches are unlikely. Use caution around wind slabs and drifts at upper elevations, especially in steep, high-consequence terrain.
Avalanche Discussion
There are no well-defined avalanche problems in this zone, but here are a couple of potential hazards to keep in mind:
Wind Slabs: Several bouts of wind over the past week have created wind slabs in exposed terrain. At upper elevations and in the alpine, you'll likely find a fun mixture of sastrugi, icy polished surfaces, crusts, and hard wind slabs. Watch for areas that are relatively smooth, chalky-looking, or drifted in appearance—these are likely to be wind slabs. They are generally small and not likely to be triggered by your weight, but there could be an isolated sensitive slab that's sitting atop weak snow. Use caution around these old wind slabs, especially in consequential terrain where getting knocked off your feet or sled would be a dangerous proposition.
Cornices: December's nearly continuous snow and wind built some truly impressive cornices. These beasts are perched along most ridgelines in this area. It can be very difficult to tell where a ridgeline stops and where the cornice starts. Cornices are unpredictable and potentially unstable. Give these huge chunks of snow a wide berth.
Catch up on what happened this week in Ben's latest Weekend Update.