A major storm is forecast, for tonight and Saturday - 1 1/2 to 2 feet of snow, heavy snowfall rates of up to 2"/ hour and wind. That has me thinking natural avalanches - both new snow and avalanches releasing on deeper weak layers. And that means if you do head out tomorrow, you need to plan your terrain choices carefully.

One concern is with the weak snow at the low and mid elevations First photo is the entrance to Butler Fork. It's a classic gully terrain trap, where even a small slide can pile up deeply. People have been buried to their waists here in the past. Avoid this sort of smaller terrain trap tomorrow at all elevations.

Second photo is the north branch of Butler Fork. A gentle summer trail goes up the bottom. But if we get into a natural avalanche cycle, you have to be concerned about what is above you. Look at the steep large slopes on both sides, and how a slide would pile up deeply in the bottom of the drainage. The sort of terrain you want to avoid tomorrow - travel beneath steep slopes.