No SPAW, but keepin’ it safe ….

Considering all the elements of the forecast, as well as the Special Avalanche Warning (SPAW), we chose a conservative trip plan today, and had an awesome day ! We thrashed ALL the snow in a rolling clearcut, and then took a short ski tour up some low angle terrain to a spectacular ridge …… from there, with the fantastically clear day, we could see loads of terrain …… …… several natural avalanches to Size 3 in East-to-North West paths, one of which appeared to have been triggered by a cornice fall. Digging into the snow on a North aspect, we found the February 3rd layer 75 cm down, which failed in a snowpack test. Main take-home is: the SPAW is lifted, but read the forecast carefully ….. keep yerselves safe out there