Overnight, west and southwest winds began cranking into the 40's and 50's along the ridges. In addition, last nights dose of dense heavy snow and rising temperatures are all conspiring against our shallow, fragile snowpack. And while there's a little bit of structure and a couple of crusts holding things together, quite frankly, I don't think this setup is much of a match for the big weekend storm. Now I'm not going to geek out on you and talk snow science or theory. What I do want to tell you is this... it's gonna get sketchy today and any avalanche triggered will quickly get out of hand, revealing a myraid of hidden obstacles like stumps and rocks that will easily ruin your day or end your season. Bulls-eye terrain and the slopes you want to avoid are located in mid and upper elevations, particularly those facing the north half of the compass where the snowpack is weak and sugary.
Mirror Lake Highway and Wolf Creek Pass are still open, but just 'cause you can see your rig parked on Bald Mountain Pass or near Wolf Creek, doesn't mean the terrain you're choosing to ride is good to go.
Remember- this is the time of year where most of us get tricked thinking there isn't enough snow to avalanche. However, this is also the type of setup when most close calls and accidents occur. If you are getting out and about, be prepared for your own self rescue. Wear and know how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.
Ted was out and about near Murdock Bowl and found the snow structure setup in the image above, noting he couldn't even isolate the column of snow before it failed to the weak, midpack facets.... spooky. Click
HERE to see his take on things and view a short viddy.
