This was a much needed storm for the range and in most locations we doubled our snowpack in the past 48 hours. So the good news is... we finally have some terrain to ride. The bad news... terrain choices are still very limited and the deepest snow is found on mid and upper elevation slopes facing the north half of the compass. Unfortunately, that's exactly the type of terrain that harbors weak snow near the ground and that's exactly where we could trigger an avalanche that breaks deeper and wider than we might expect. The end result is an unmanageable slide that gets quickly out of hand as it reveals a myriad of hidden obstacles like stumps and rocks that will easily ruin your day or end your season.

Fortunately we have choices and if you want to avoid today's avalanche dragon, you simply avoid mid and upper elevation terrain, particularly slopes 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.

Winds were all over the map during the storm and I expect we'll find both old and new drifts reactive to our additional weight, even at lower elevations. Today you'll want to continue avoiding steep, wind drifted slopes especially if they look fat and rounded or sound hollow like a drum.