Dormant weak layers in the snowpack are starting to come to life as new storm snow stacks up. Since last Sunday an active storm pattern has added close to 2' of snow to our snowpack and there are a few weak layers that have come out of hibernation. First... facets below a thin rime crust formed in late January have reacted to the additional weight of riders and this combo is responsible for several recently triggered slides. This structure may be more prevelant in Weber Canyon than some of the other terrain throughout the range.

Second area of concern is... terrain that harbors weak snow. Prime suspects include terrain that has already avalanched this year along with a vast majority of steep, shady slopes on the south half of the range. Terrain with these characteristics remains suspect and should be considered guilty until proven otherwise. Sounds complicated, but the answer is easy. The way we manage unpredictable avalanche dragons is to simply avoid where they live. So today you'll want to steer clear of steep, rocky, wind drifted slopes, especially if they've got a "trapdoor" or punchy feeling.

Winds have been busy at work the past few days, blowing steadily along the high ridges. With no shortage of snow avaialable to work with, the landscape is changing and fat drifts sensitive to our weight continue forming along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges. Today's drifts may break into several storms worth of snow and once triggered, they'll pack a punch and could definately boss you around. You can ride safely today by... being on the lookout for clues to unstable snow such as shooting cracks. In addition, tweak small test slopes like road banks and see how they're reacting before getting into steep, commiting terrain. And finally, consider avoiding fat, rounded pillows of snow, especially if they sound hollow like a drum.

Crackes shooting out in front of you are a huge red flag and solid clue of unstable snow.