Squaw Creek

The snow on the surface on this short tour into Squaw Creek was non reactive. With the passage of time obvious signs of instability are becoming less common. When digging down it is apparent that the potential for triggering avalanches remain, as we found propagation and poor structure in 2 pit locations. The slab in many places may be able to withstand the stress of a snowmobile or skier.  In other places, namely steep terrain and thin spots in the slab, it is possible for human triggers to produce large avalanches. Knowing exactly where trigger points exists is very difficult.  This snowpack setup requires continued vigilance, patience, and the assumption that steep terrain can produce an avalanche.