The avalanche danger is on the rise as moisture streams into our area. Thin slabs may form on weak or slick surfaces at and above treeline, increasing the threat of slab avalanches. Cracks radiating away from you or your machine is a sign of instability. Below around 5500', loose slides will be possible where rain falls on snow. Rollerballs are precursors to these slides. Seek out terrain sheltered from the wind with dry snow for a safer, more enjoyable, option.

The snowpack is generally stable. The exception is steep sunny slopes where isolated areas of dry surface snow remain. Continued warming and sunshine may moisten this surface and result in loose slides. With the thin snow cover, even a small avalanche can have severe consequences. Areas sheltered from the sun and wind offer a safer and higher quality experience. 

The snowpack is generally stable. The exception is steep sunny slopes where isolated areas of dry surface snow remain. Continued warming and sunshine may moisten this surface and result in loose slides. With the thin snow cover, even a small avalanche can have severe consequences. Areas sheltered from the sun and wind offer a safer and higher quality experience. 

Avalanche conditions are generally safe. The exceptions are isolated thin slabs on north through east slopes at and above treeline. These will have a smoother and rounded appearance downwind of terrain features. Slopes sheltered from the wind offer soft snow and a safer option. More exceptions may occur on steep sunny slopes if prolonged sunshine develops. Move to shadier aspects, or lower slope angles, as the surface snow moistens.  

Another round of new snow and wind beginning Wednesday will bring changing avalanche conditions. Dial back your terrain selection if you begin to see 8 or more inches of new snow accumulate in the area you are traveling. Steer away from slopes where you see wind blowing snow into thicker, more dangerous slabs. Terrain that is sheltered from the wind with slope angles less than about 35 degrees will be your best bet for a safe and fun Thanksgiving week.

Another round of new snow and wind beginning Wednesday will bring changing avalanche conditions. Dial back your terrain selection if you begin to see 8 or more inches of new snow accumulate in the area you are traveling. Steer away from slopes where you see wind blowing snow into thicker, more dangerous slabs. Terrain that is sheltered from the wind with slope angles less than about 35 degrees will be your best bet for a safe and fun Thanksgiving week.

Recently formed slabs of new and drifted snow can have harsh consequences if they drag you into rocks, trees, stumps, or gullies. Be observant in your travels and watch for areas where wind transported new snow into slabs deeper than 8 inches. Shooting cracks and collapses are signs to seek terrain with slope angles less than 35 degrees.

Slabs of new and drifted snow can have harsh consequences if they drag you into rocks, trees, stumps, or gullies. Warming and rain can trigger avalanches when they affect cold dry snow. The hazards are most widespread at upper elevations, where there is enough snow covering hard, icy layers near the ground. Shooting cracks and collapses, or wet snow and roller balls are warning signs. Carry rescue gear and keep your partner in sight.

Slabs of new and drifted snow can have harsh consequences if they drag you into rocks, trees, stumps, or gullies. Warming and rain can trigger avalanches when they affect cold dry snow. The hazards are most widespread at upper elevations, where there is enough snow covering hard, icy layers near the ground. Shooting cracks and collapses, or wet snow and roller balls are warning signs. Carry rescue gear and keep your partner in sight.

With storms bringing new snow and strong winds to the region, be wary of slabs of new and drifted snow on steep slopes. These can have particularly harsh consequences if they drag you into rocks, trees, stumps, or gullies. The hazard is most widespread at upper elevations, where freshly-formed slabs may be sitting on hard, icy layers near the ground. Shooting cracks and collapses are warning signs of danger. Carry rescue gear and keep your partner in sight.

The risk of triggered avalanches increases as more than 6 inches of new snow accumulates on top of a layered snowpack. Be extra critical of alpine terrain where weak layers may be buried under denser and deeper slabs of new snow. That’s where the resulting avalanche could be larger and more dangerous. Shooting cracks and collapses are warning signs that new snow is unstable and unsafe. Carry rescue gear and keep your partner in sight.

The risk of triggered avalanches increases as more than 6 inches of new snow accumulates on top of a layered snowpack. Be extra critical of alpine terrain where weak layers may be buried under denser and deeper slabs of new snow. That’s where the resulting avalanche could be larger and more dangerous. Shooting cracks and collapses are warning signs that new snow is unstable and unsafe. Carry rescue gear and keep your partner in sight.

Unsettled weather will add layers of new snow to the mountains through this weekend. Watch for cracking in new and windblown snow on steep slopes at higher elevations. That’s where the new precipitation is most likely to accumulate on smooth surfaces, rather than bare ground, creating the possibility for slab avalanches. Carry rescue gear - shovel, beacon, probe - and travel with a good partner.

A layered snowpack exists at middle and upper elevations, and thus so does the potential for slab avalanches. Be aware of changing conditions and stay alert on or below steep terrain with continuous snow cover. Recent avalanches, shooting cracks in wind drifts, and wet snow are obvious signs of danger. Always carry rescue gear when avalanche terrain has enough snow to ride. Early season obstacles increase the consequences should you get caught in a slide.