Summit Lake

It is unlikely for a human to trigger a large avalanche on a buried weak layer of facets close to the ground. That being said, there is uncertainty as to how this layer will respond to people as few have ventured onto steep slopes where these layers exist. Conditions are generally safe but isolated pockets of unstable snow exist. Other hazards include cornices, and glide avalanches.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Avalanche Rescue Workshop at Glen Alps has been POSTPONED to Sunday, February 9th.  The workshop is free and all experience levels are welcome. Click HERE for more information.

It has been 10 days since we have seen a large avalanche fail on a layer of weak snow in Summit Lake. It has also been almost a week since the snowpack has been stressed by strong winds or new snow which will make it unlikely for a human to trigger a deep slab avalanche. Keep in mind that it is not impossible to trigger a large avalanche that may fail near the ground. Most people have avoided this problem so we are unsure how these weak layers will respond to skiers. If you choose to travel on steep slopes try to avoid old wind slabs and areas where the snow is thin. These are places where it will be easier to trigger one of these avalanches.  Whumpfing sounds are made by a weak layer failing  underneath you so IF you hear this sound re-evaluate your plan. Safe travel protocol is recommended such as exposing one person at a time to steep slopes on the way up and down. 

You may encounter cornices at upper elevations. A person's weight can cause one of these to fall so give them plenty of room as they can be large triggers to slopes below.

Other hazards may exist such as isolated wind slabs that may feel stiff and produce shooting cracks.  Dry loose avalanches will be possible on steep slopes and could be hazardous especially where rocks and cliffs exist below you. Wet loose avalanches can be triggered on sunny slopes if the sun heats up the snow today.