Persistent Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Very Likely
- Dimensione
- 3
This was a much needed storm for the range and in most locations we doubled our total snowpack since Thanksgiving Day. So the good news is... we finally have some terrain to ride. The bad news... terrain choices are still very limited and the deepest snow is found on mid and upper elevation slopes facing the north half of the compass. Unfortunately, that's exactly the type of terrain that harbors weak snow near the ground and that's exactly where we could trigger an avalanche that breaks deeper and wider than we might expect. The end result is an unmanageable slide that gets quickly out of hand as it reveals a myriad of hidden obstacles like stumps and rocks that will easily ruin your day or end your season.
Fortunately we have choices and if you want to avoid today's avalanche dragon, you simply avoid mid and upper elevation terrain, particularly shady slopes facing the north half of the compass where the snowpack is weak and sugary.
Plowing is done on Mirror Lake Highway, but Wolf Creek Pass is still open. However, just 'cause you can see your rig parked near Wolf Creek, doesn't mean the terrain you're choosing to ride is good to go.
Remember- this is the time of year where most of us get tricked thinking there isn't enough snow to avalanche. However, this is also the type of setup when most close calls and accidents occur. If you are getting out and about, be prepared for your own self rescue. Wear and know how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.
Michael Janulaitis was in the north facing terrain near Hoyt Peak and notes... "my ECT failed after 9 wrist taps on facets above the rain crust about 25 cm above the ground." More on his travels are found here.
