Shifting winds have formed several generations of wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Wind exposed slopes harbor instabilities in areas of drifted snow. Recent large destructive avalanche activity on buried weak layers confirms that persistent slabs remain a concern.  Evaluate slopes affected by the wind and be suspicious of steep rocky terrain containing a variable snow depth.

Shifting winds have formed several generations of wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Wind exposed slopes harbor instabilities in areas of drifted snow. Recent large destructive avalanche activity on buried weak layers confirms that persistent slabs remain a concern.  Evaluate slopes affected by the wind and be suspicious of steep rocky terrain containing a variable snow depth.

The storm has ended but instabilities remain in areas of windblown snow.  Changing wind directions has formed slabs on wind exposed slopes on a variety of aspects.  Evaluate slopes harboring fresh wind drifts. Cracking or collapsing are obvious signs of instability.

Over a foot of snow and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions.  Numerous natural and human-triggered avalanches failed yesterday, and these slabs continue to thicken and become more widespread.  Bring a conservative mindset to the backcountry today and allow the snowpack time to adjust.  Shooting cracks, whumphs, recent avalanches, and thick drifts are all clear signs to stay off of terrain steeper than 35 degrees.

Over a foot of snow and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions.  Numerous natural and human-triggered avalanches failed yesterday, and these slabs continue to thicken and become more widespread.  Bring a conservative mindset to the backcountry today and allow the snowpack time to adjust.  Shooting cracks, whumphs, recent avalanches, and thick drifts are all clear signs to stay off of terrain steeper than 35 degrees.

Its snowing and blowing and the avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE by later today.  Natural and human triggered avalanches breaking in the new and drifted snow will be the most common hazard. You are most likely to get in trouble where winds are drifting or stiffening the new snow into easily triggered slabs.  Smaller slides have potential to step down to old weak layers and initiate larger, more dangerous avalanches.

It remains possible to trigger avalanches that break one to two feet deep. This lingering danger is primarily a concern on high-elevation slopes steeper than about 35 degrees where dense slabs of drifted snow overly old weak layers. It is an isolated danger at mid elevations. If an approaching storm brings the strong winds and heavy snow that are forecast, the avalanche danger will rise this weekend.

It remains possible to trigger avalanches that break one to two feet deep. This lingering danger is primarily a concern on high-elevation slopes steeper than about 35 degrees where dense slabs of drifted snow overly old weak layers. It is an isolated danger at mid elevations. If an approaching storm brings the strong winds and heavy snow that are forecast, the avalanche danger will rise this weekend.

It remains possible to trigger avalanches that break one to two feet deep. These slides are most likely on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees where snow depths are variable, thanks to drifting and scouring by recent winds. To reduce your chances of finding slopes like this, stick to slopes sheltered from the wind and sun. Whumpfing collapses are a clear sign of danger.

Observers across the region have been reporting on our talkative snowpack, especially in the higher terrain near the Divide.  Wind drifted snow has been whumpfing on top of persistent weak layers.  Terrain selection is the best way to avoid triggering persistent slab avalanches.  Sheltered slopes are a safer bet than steep, leeward areas.

Observers across the region have been reporting on our talkative snowpack, especially in the higher terrain near the Divide.  Wind drifted snow has been whumpfing on top of persistent weak layers.  Terrain selection is the best way to avoid triggering persistent slab avalanches.  Sheltered slopes are a safer bet than steep, leeward areas.

Layers of weak snow continue to lurk under cohesive slabs.  Give yourself the gift of patience today when choosing where to ride.  Evaluate the snowpack carefully near steep leeward terrain.  Gentle, gladed slopes are the safer choice. 

Our avalanche problem remains thick slabs of snow capping deeply buried weak layers.  Terrain selection is key for avoidance. Steep leeward terrain is most suspect with wind sheltered slopes a safer bet.  Continue to evaluate snow and terrain.

Our avalanche problem remains thick slabs of snow capping deeply buried weak layers. Terrain selection is key for avoidance. Steep leeward terrain is most suspect with wind sheltered slopes a safer bet.  Continue to evaluate snow and terrain.