In our travels into Gold Basin yesterday, our party came upon the debris of a very large avalanche that had run off the NE Face of Mount Tukno. This avalanche appeared to be human triggered, driving home in a very sober way what it means when we have a persistent weak layer problem. We also observed many other natural avalanches that ran during the storm on Friday night. Although we expected some activity from the Thursday-Friday storm, I did not expect 11" of snow containing 1.4" of Snow Water Equivalent, with little to no wind, to have such a widespread impact. Avalanches were observed on slopes facing W-N-E. Overnight winds have been blowing and drifting snow on to northerly aspects, further stressing already dangerous slopes. These areas are not to be messed with and the danger will only increase over the next several days. That said, excellent turning and riding can still be found on sheltered, low angle, northerly facing terrain.

Travis Nauman and company were out and about taking advantage of stable snow and good conditions on southerly aspects yesterday. Unfortunately wind and yesterday's sunshine have put the kabosh on that for today. They also documented widespread natural activity in Gold Basin. Read their excellent report here.