Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Be on the lookout for pockets of wind-drifted snow and small, loose snow sluffs in steep terrain. Small slides can pick up speed quickly thanks to the firm, icy surfaces underneath. Generally stable conditions exist and large avalanches are unlikely.

Last night's storm brought 1-2" of new snow to this zone. This isn't enough snow to drastically change the avalanche conditions you'll encounter today, but it may help improve the skiing and riding a bit. Here's what to look for if you head out in this zone today:

FRESH WIND SLABS:  Last night's snow was coupled with calm to light winds. Any fresh slabs you encounter today are likely to be quite small and located in typical locations near ridgelines. Though small, they may be sensitive to your weight. You're most likely to find a reactive slab in very steep, upper elevation terrain where the new snow is resting on slick, polished, icy, alpine surfaces.  

OLD WIND SLABS: Moderate to strong winds blowing in the mountains last week built a few generations of dense, stiff wind slabs. In most areas, these have had time to bond to the snow they are sitting on. However, in places where they are resting on well-developed weak layers, they may still be reactive to your weight. The snow that fell last night may make these slabs a bit harder to identify visually. Be on the lookout for them near features that slow the wind down and force it to deposit the snow it is carrying. Cracks shooting out from your board or your skis are clear signs that you've found a sensitive slab. You'll find better skiing and riding and safer conditions by avoiding these dense slabs.

While large avalanches are unlikely today, even small slides can ruin your day (or worse). Be mindful of the consequences of being caught in a small avalanche in the terrain that you are traveling through. Think about the objects you might be dragged through/over (rocks, cliff bands, trees, etc.) and where you might be deposited (terrain traps, creek beds, etc.). We encourage you to continue to use your safe travel protocols, even during periods of LOW danger; only expose one person to avalanche hazard at a time, keep a close eye on your partners, and carry your rescue gear and know how to use it. Now is a great time to practice using these skills.