Banner Summit

Avalanches are unlikely, and most slopes are safe. Watch for isolated wind drifts in very steep, upper elevation and alpine terrain. 

The snowpack in the Banner Summit zone is generally stable and there is no clearly defined avalanche problem. While last weekend's wind and snowfall formed small drifts and slabs at upper elevations, these seem to have stabilized and triggering one is very unlikely. Cornices in this zone have grown quite large in the recent weeks—be sure to give these a wide berth.

CONTINUE TO USE NORMAL CAUTIONAs the saying goes, Low danger doesn't mean no danger. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry. What does normal caution mean?

• Make a solid plan before a day in the backcountry. A plan helps you anticipate hazards (of which avalanches are only one), identify options for the day, and ensure everyone is prepared for an emergency.
• Perform a trailhead gear check. A proper beacon check ensures everyone's transceiver can send and receive a signal. Is everyone's radio working and on the right channel? Airbags armed and ready?
• Maintain situational awareness. Don't let your guard down even when the snowpack is generally stable. If you see a wind-loaded slope or another indicator of potential instability, don't assume it's safe just because the danger is Low. Identify and avoid other hazards such as large cornices.
• Continue to use safe travel practices. It's easy to get sloppy with your travel practices during periods of stability. Continue to minimize your group's exposure to potential avalanche hazard, ideally traveling one at a time through steep terrain.