Summit Lake

The snowpack in Summit Lake is generally stable and it is unlikely a person could trigger an avalanche today. Although unlikely, there is always a chance of finding an unstable pocket of snow, especially in steep and rocky upper elevation terrain. Maintain safe travel practices even during periods of LOW danger, which include checking safety gear at the parking lot, traveling one at a time in steep terrain, and watching partners closely from locations well out of the way of runout.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

With heavy hearts, we report a fatal avalanche accident on March 27 near Lake George. One skier was caught and did not survive. We’ve posted a preliminary report in our accident database and will update it as more details become available. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, friends, and all guides and responders involved.

The forecast is calling for light north winds today, but wind speeds just barely bumped up into the range where they can move some snow overnight. Wind Slabs feel like firm snow over soft snow. A fresh wind slab may produce a shooting crack, which means it could slide, but an old one probably won't. Follow safe travel protocol described in the bottom line to reduce your chances of injury or worse if you get surprised.

Loose Snow Avalanches: Average temperatures have warmed 5 to 10° F over the last week and the sun is feeling warm especially at lower elevations. Watch for roller balls to know the snow surface is warming and Wet Loose avalanches could be triggered by a person. Dry Loose avalanches could also be triggered by a person on steep slopes with dry snow. Consider the consequences below in case you get caught up in the sluff.