Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

1 to 3" of new snow forecast today won't be enough weight to wake up any deeper weak layers.  Generally, the snowpack in the Girdwood and Turnagain zones will remain stable.   Continue to practice safe travel habits by moving through avalanche terrain one at a time, watching partners from safe zones, and having an exit route planned in the unlikely event that a slope does slide. 

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Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers and boarders. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Link is HERE. Thank you for your help!

A few inches of new snow forecast for today is unlikely to tip the avalanche scale in any significant way.  More likely, it'll be just enough to cover yesterday's surfaces, which include everything from sun crusts and tired wind slabs to surface hoar and advanced facets. While it's unlikely someone will trigger an avalanche today, we know the snowpack structure remains poor, and we are reminded that low danger does not mean no danger.  Even a small slab has the potential for bad consequences in steep, committing terrain.

Dry Loose Avalanches are still possible to trigger, particularly in steep northerly terrain.  This is likely where the best snow is today and in many areas consists of a thick (4 to 8") layer of loose, facets underneath a skiff of new snow from overnight. Wet Loose Avalanches may also be initiated in the lower elevations, particularly around the Placer River Valley, where temperatures will be warmest today.

Maintaining smart travel protocol is critical anytime we are in the mountains. Even though it’s ‘green light’ we still have to consider the consequences of getting caught by surprise in an unlikely avalanche. Exposing one person at a time when in steep terrain, having escape routes planned, and keeping an eye on your partners from safe spots is key.