Avalanche forecast

Low Avalanche Danger does not mean that there is no avalanche hazard. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely, though not impossible. Generally, safe avalanche conditions exist. Temperatures will warm today to increase the low likelihood of small, wet loose avalanches in steep, south-facing terrain. 

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The weather and avalanche hazard remains unchanged for the next few days. There are a few items worth mentioning as an additional discussion:

• Wet loose avalanches continue to remain a possibility in the middle of the day and afternoon. Watch for clear skies and strong solar radiation heating up south-facing terrain.
• A sun crust has formed on solar aspects and was very firm yesterday even until noon. Firm as it was, this crust was thin and the snow beneath the crust was moist for several inches.
• Wind slabs still exhibit poor structure in the upper portion of the snowpack in middle and upper elevation terrain. We have not seen any obvious signs of instability with these in the past week. These wind slabs continue to show up on our compression tests, however, the propagation potential has been nonexistent.
• Cornices are large and some have been received a fair amount of heat from solar radiation in recent days. They are notorious for breaking further back than anticipated. Always give cornices more space than you think.
• Wind-scoured snow surfaces are widespread throughout the advisory area on multiple aspects, especially above 7500'. These snow surfaces may catch you off guard if you find yourself committing to bigger, steeper terrain features where falling or getting stuck are not an option.

We remain entrenched in a low hazard throughout our advisory area. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely, though not impossible. During times of prolonged low avalanche hazard, people begin selecting larger terrain to recreate in. This is always a balancing act. When we know the avalanche hazard is higher, we reduce our risk by decreasing our exposure and vulnerability. However, when we know the hazard of avalanches is low, we increase our risk by increasing our exposure and vulnerability. This is how we walk the fine line of recreating in and around avalanche terrain. As you read the forecast and continue to see green across the advisory area, remind yourself and your group of how to minimize exposure and vulnerability.

One way to minimize exposure and vulnerability is something that we preach a lot about, called safe travel protocols. Yesterday, while touring in the Poison creek drainage (south of Tamarack Resort), I witnessed several motorized groups throughout the afternoon. Some practiced these safe travel protocols, some didn't. What are they?

• Only expose one person at a time on steeper slopes
• Don't ski or ride above your partners
• Have an escape route while recreating on steep slopes
• Select a safe location away from runout zones to congregate with your group
• Maintain thorough communication with your travel partners throughout the day

We hammer away at these travel practices because they should be second nature. You don't exactly know when you're going to trigger an avalanche. If you practice these safe travel protocols all the time (including times of low hazard), they may save your life someday. Use this period of high pressure to get out with your travel companions and practice rescue skills. While you're out in the mountains during this spell of warm, sunny weather, take a few moments to practice with your beacon, shovel, probe, and other rescue equipment.

*** Check out our Observations Page to see what others are seeing...We are always looking for more Information from snowmobilers and skiers on snow and weather conditions. These observations help our forecasts and they help other users in and outside of the community.

It can be quick with or without a photo…Use the Observations link at the top of the page to submit your observations. If you experience any unfortunate technical issues please email us at [email protected]…Thanks