Definately big enough to catch your attention... the image above is a closeup of a slab from yesterday that broke into weak, sugary snow on a steep, shady slope. This avalanche dragon isn't healing any time soon and 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.

Today's drifts may be a little more stubborn, but still have the possibility to break into several storms worth of snow. 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.