Winds ramped up overnight and our weak snowpack will struggle trying adjust to this rapid load. I don't suspect the range is coming unglued just yet, though I do think many slopes are teetering on the edge and probably need a trigger like us to come along and knock the legs out from underneath. The fact is, we've got a dangerous setup in our backcountry and today's avalaches are the take no prisoner, tree snapping variety. Strong snow on weak snow.... it feels bomber under our skis, board, or sled. However, we've got to remember to think about not only what we're riding in, but also what we're riding on. This is the type of setup that leads to avalanche incidents, close calls, and unfortunately avalanche accidents.
It'll be spooky out there the next couple of days, but it doesn't mean you can't ride. Simply tone it down and stick with low angle terrain with no steep slopes above our adjacent to where you're rding.
You call that an avalanche? Well, I guess technically it is... more importantly Ted snapped this image clearly illustratrating just how weak our current snowpack is.
Now take that same weak snow, add some wind like we did Wednesday night, put a cohesive slab on top, and now you've got an avalanche.
JG was in Weber Canyon and found weak snow both in the midpack and at the ground. This is the setup we're dealing with this coming week.