Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 2
Our shallow snowpack is in its infancy and its got issues. And now for the first time this winter, our fragile pack will experience its first big stability test.
The bullseye terrain and the slopes you want to avoid are located in mid and upper elevations, particularly those facing the north half of the compass where the snowpack is weak and sugary. While there's a little bit of structure and a couple of crusts holding things together, quite frankly, I don't think this setup is much of a match for the strong winds, coupled with a good dose of water and snow forecast for the next couple of days. We'll have to see how the storm plays out, but I suspect that as the new storm snow stacks up, avalanches will begin breaking to weak snow near the ground. So the good news is we've got a storm which will get the season rolling. The bad news is... any avalanche triggered will quickly get out of hand, revealing a myraid of hidden obstacles that could easily ruin your day or end your season.
Mirror Lake Highway and Wolf Creek Pass are still open, but just 'cause you can see your rig parked on Bald Mountain Pass or near Wolf Creek, doesn't mean the terrain you're choosing to ride is good to go.
Remember- this is the time of year where most of us get tricked thinking there isn't enough snow to avalanche. However, this is also the type of setup when most close calls and accidents occur. If you are getting out and about, be prepared for your own self rescue. Wear and know how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.
Both Ted and Michael J found similar snow structure on opposite sides of the range. Michael's pit is from Wolf Creek yesterday... more details here. Ted's ob is from Hayden Pass... more details here.