A weak and complex snowpack exists on the Skyline and avalanche conditions are deceptively tricky. Hiding the nefarious avalanche dragon is all the deep, light snow that fell overnight. Adding to this intoxicating mix are clearing skies and bright sunshine. Unfortunately, the snowpack might not share our same enthusiasm. We've gotta think not only about the snow we're riding in, but also the snow we're riding on. Just a few days ago, riders were able to trigger avalanches from a distance and on relatively flat terrain. This type of avalanche condition just doesn't go away in a few days... it lingers for long periods of time. Today's avalanches have the potential to break wide and deep, taking out the entire seasons snowpack, producing a very dangerous slide. Even if you're carving in low angle meadows make sure there's no steep slopes above or adjacent to where you're riding.

Yesterdays gusty winds and new snow created sensitive wind drifts along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges. While today's soft slabs might not be quite as reactive, remember that avalanches triggered within the new snow can easily break into deeper buried weak layers as they crash down onto the slope below. This chain of events would quickly turn a manageable avalanche into something you didn't bargain for. Best to play it safe and avoid steep, wind drifted slopes.