The big storm was good to the eastern front, delivering a healthy dose of snow and water. In most locations we doubled our total snowpack since Thanksgiving Day. So the good news is... we finally have some terrain to ride. The bad news... terrain choices for riding 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 still 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.

While I feel like the snowpack is adjusting to the big storm, I'm not sold on just rolling the dice and taking my chances on theory... there's just too many variables. So, I'm playing it safe with conservative terrain choices and by riding slopes that had no old snow prior to the big storm.

Plowing is done on Mirror Lake Highway, but Wolf Creek Pass is still open. However, just 'cause you can see your rig parked 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.