Banner Summit

Expect mostly stable avalanche conditions. Large avalanches are not likely. Look for small, sensitive wind drifts in areas exposed to the wind. On very steep slopes facing the sun, wet snow avalanches will become likely as the day heats up.

There is no clearly defined primary avalanche problem today and large avalanches are unlikely. That said, here are a couple of possible hazards to keep in mind, particularly if you plan to venture into very steep or "extreme" terrain. 

• Wind Slabs: Numerous natural and human-triggered avalanches occurred yesterday in other portions of the forecast area. The Banner Summit area received less new snow and wind from Thursday's storm, and wind slabs will be less likely. Still, keep your eyes peeled for signs of recent wind-loading like snowpack cracking, fresh cornice, and stiffer deposits of snow at the surface. We expect these slabs to be small, but they may be large enough to knock you off your feet or carry you into unintended terrain.  
• Dry Loose: The snowfall from recent storms has been "sluffing" in very steep terrain not affected by the wind. This minor hazard can be amplified on consistently steep, larger slopes or confined terrain like chutes, where sluffs are harder to escape.
• Wet Loose: A handful of small wet loose avalanches were reported yesterday, but a few clouds and relatively cool temps kept things from coming totally unglued. If you find the surface snow becoming moist and sticky, you'll want to avoid slopes approaching 40 degrees. Expect small, natural wet sluffs to occur on steep, sun-drenched slopes during the heat of the day.

Despite LOW danger, no mountain environment is without risk. Continue to make deliberate and informed travel decisions. As always, if something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to back off and return another day. Enjoy this last bit of "wintery" weather, it's looking like spring will officially arrive in the mountains next week. 

Be sure to catch up on what happened this past week in Scott's Weekend Update!