The potential for a glide crack to release and cause a very large avalanche involving the entire depth of the snowpack remains our primary concern today. Clear skies over the region should make it easier to identify existing glide cracks and minimize time spent underneath. Theses avalanches release at random times and can runout far into valley bottoms. We recommend avoiding them entirely if you can or travelling quickly while maintaining awareness of the slopes above if you can’t avoid travelling underneath.
In addition to glide avalanches we have received reports of cornices failing naturally. Cornices failures can be a significant hazard on their own, but they can also trigger avalanches on the slope below if there are any lingering instabilities that can be initiated by these massive triggers. Similar to glide avalanches, cornices can fail randomly and the best way to decrease your exposure to this hazard is to avoid spending time underneath large cornices. Especially if you note the temperatures are unusually warm and the sun is warming up the windward side of the cornice.
Finally, lingering wind slabs and dry loose avalanches could be a concern in steep terrain today. Small pockets of wind slab can linger on steep, unsupported features and cause small avalanches that can have large implications if you are in exposed terrain. Dry loose avalanches are also a concern if you are able to track down some wind sheltered soft snow on the surface. In steeper terrain these surface avalanches can pick up a head of steam and carry enough force to knock you off your feet. Best practice is to make a plan to manage your sluff before committing to steep terrain.
Keep an eye out for glide cracks like this and try to minimize time spent underneath. Photo from Sam McLain 1.18.24
If you are gunning for steep terrain be aware of the potential for cornice failure, lingering small wind slabs, and dry loose avalanches (sluff). Photo from Nicholas Crews 1.19.24
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