Despite recent benign weather our snowpack structure remains weak with human triggered slides possible resulting in large and destructive avalanches. The best holiday gift to a friend and loved one is careful evaluation of snow structure and terrain while dealing with this complex Persistent Slab problem.

Despite recent benign weather our snowpack structure remains weak with human triggered slides possible resulting in large and destructive avalanches. The best holiday gift to a friend and loved one is careful evaluation of snow structure and terrain while dealing with this complex Persistent Slab problem.

Recent dry weather has helped our snowpack adjust to the substantial load deposited earlier in the week. Unfortunately, a weak snowpack structure remains with human triggered slides possible resulting in large and destructive avalanches. Given the serious consequences of triggering a Persistent Slab, carefully evaluate the snow structure and terrain.

Storms over the past week have deposited substantial snow onto a weak fragile snowpack creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Large and destructive human triggered slab avalanches are likely on slopes greater than 30 degrees. Fresh windslabs have returned and have the potential of triggering larger persistent slabs.

Storms over the past week have deposited substantial snow onto a weak fragile snowpack creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Large and destructive human triggered slab avalanches are a serious concern on slopes greater than 30 degrees. Fresh windslabs have returned and have the potential of triggering larger persistent slabs.

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist as additional snowfall overnight added more stress to an already fragile snowpack. Large and destructive human triggered slab avalanches are likely on slopes greater than 30 degrees. Heads up for loose dry avalanches running fast and far in steeper terrain with the potential of triggering persistent slabs.

Dangerous avalanche conditions continue after a potent storm system brought 2 to 3 feet of dense snow and a widespread natural avalanche cycle through Tuesday night. Large and destructive human triggered slab avalanches are likely on slopes greater than 30 degrees. Have patience and discipline allowing buried persistent weak layers to adjust to this exceptionally large and rapid loading event.

Dangerous avalanche conditions continue after a potent storm system brought 2 to 3 feet of dense snow and a widespread natural avalanche cycle through Tuesday night. Large and destructive human triggered slab avalanches are likely on slopes greater than 30 degrees. Have patience and discipline allowing buried persistent weak layers to adjust to this exceptionally large and rapid loading event.

Dangerous avalanche conditions continue after a potent storm system brought 2 to 3 feet of dense snow and a widespread natural avalanche cycle through Tuesday night. Large and destructive human triggered slab avalanches are likely on slopes greater than 30 degrees. Have patience and discipline allowing buried persistent weak layers to adjust to this exceptionally large and rapid loading event.

Avalanche conditions remain dangerous in the wake of a significant storm and avalanche cycle that peaked last night. In the past two days, 2 to 3 feet of snow and gusty winds have overloaded buried weak layers.  Large and destructive slab avalanches will be easy to trigger on slopes steeper than 30 degrees, and natural avalanches that run through all elevation bands are possible. Patience and conservative terrain selection with an eye for overhead hazards are your silver bullets today. 

Avalanche conditions remain dangerous in the wake of a significant storm and avalanche cycle that peaked last night. In the past two days, 2 to 3 feet of snow and gusty winds have overloaded buried weak layers.  Large and destructive slab avalanches will be easy to trigger on slopes steeper than 30 degrees, and natural avalanches that run through all elevation bands are possible. Patience and conservative terrain selection with an eye for overhead hazards are your silver bullets today. 

An AVALANCHE WARNING is in effect and the danger will rise to HIGH.  Heavy snowfall will be overloading a weak and fragile snowpack, and a large and widespread avalanche cycle is expected later today and tonight.  Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist: travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

An AVALANCHE WATCH is in effect. A warm moist storm will be overloading a weak snowpack, and dangerous avalanche conditions are developing. The danger is CONSIDERABLE today above 5000', and could rise to HIGH tomorrow if the forecast verifies. Natural avalanche activity will become increasingly widespread as this system develops. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential.  

An AVALANCHE WATCH is in effect. A warm moist storm will be overloading a weak snowpack, and dangerous avalanche conditions are developing. The danger is CONSIDERABLE today above 5000', and could rise to HIGH tomorrow if the forecast verifies. Natural avalanche activity will become increasingly widespread as this system develops. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential.