Avalanche forecast

Triggering an avalanche remains unlikely. Cornices, dry loose snow (sluff), or an old wind slab are hazards to consider in steep, isolated terrain features. Maintain safe travel practices, especially if you're stepping out into bigger, more consequential terrain.

The weather and avalanche conditions remain unchanged. With the exception of some colder air and an uptick in NE winds, yesterday's cold front did not amount to much. Solar aspects have developed a thin, melt-freeze crust. Any upper elevation slopes that face SW-W-NW, are holding spotty wind crusts from NW winds in recent weeks. The 01/03 crust continues to show faceting (weakening snow) above and below the crust. The soft snow above the crust lacks strength to form a slab and is therefore not currently an issue. Once we do receive additional snowfall (perhaps next weekend), then we will be creating the recipe for avalanches to occur (i.e. slab over a weak layer). 

As people are stepping out into bigger terrain, here are a few topics to consider:

• Large, overhanging cornices. These monsters are notorious for breaking off much farther back than anticipated so give them a wide margin along ridgelines and beware of overhead hazards
• Dry loose snow (or sluff) in steep, shaded terrain. In steep terrain that hasn't been impacted by the sun and wind, surface snow has weakened and could create small sluffs. 
• Lingering wind slab. Although unlikely, as people start poking around into bigger terrain, you could find an older wind slab from NW winds over the past few weeks.
• Remember, small avalanches can have big consequences if you're in no-fall terrain. Pay attention to the terrain you're steppng into and consider the consequences of a fall. Continue to maintain margins of safety even during times of LOW danger.

For additional reading on LOW danger and how humans make decisions in the mountains, check out longtime UAC forecaster Drew Hardesty's blog post here.