In the springtime, the danger of heat related avalanche activity always increases during the day as the snow softens from the warm temperatures. This is especially true when we have a weak and shallow snowpack like we do this season. The key is to get out of the mountains before things become too wet and "punchy". This is a catch 22 because we want to let things soften a bit so riding conditions are better. If you stay out late in the afternoon, it is imperative that you avoid being on or below all steep slopes and stay out of avalanche run-out zones and gullies.

The weak snow that formed during the long dry period mid winter is still a major concern. While it is not as "hair trigger" as it was a week ago, it is still capable of producing dangerous avalanches. Sooner or later, the high northerly facing terrain where this colder weak snow is still present will heat up and we will most likely see natural avalanches on this layer again. My best guess is that it won't get warm enough on the high north slopes to do it this weekend but I'm not taking the chance. I don't like the set up and I'm staying off most of my favorite steep upper elevation north facing terrain.