Remember, LOW avalanche danger doesn't mean NO avalanche danger. People still might trigger avalanches in outlying areas or in extreme, isolated, or very steep backcountry terrain.
- Although unlikely, people might trigger shallow slab avalanches of drifted snow on steep slopes in wind exposed upper elevation terrain. Watch for and avoid stiffer drifted snow at upper elevations on the lee side of major ridges and in and around terrain features like sub-ridges, gullies, and cliff bands.
Shooting cracks in wind drifted snow indicate potential for people to trigger slab avalanches.
- Continue to practice safe travel protocols. Only expose one person at a time in avalanche terrain.
- Now is a great time to practice your avalanche rescue skills. Thanks to the generous support of Northstar, the Franklin Basin Beacon Training Park is up and running. The park is located directly west of the parking lot and is open for anyone to use. All you need is your beacon and probe. Please do not dig up the transmitters.
Other than avalanches, there are many other hazards in mountain travel to pay attention to.
- The fresh snow was scoured off of many exposed slopes and the remaining surface snow is hard, crusty, and slick - a person could easily slip, fall, and slide out of control rapidly down a steep slope. In some steep areas you'll need to kick your boots into hard snow, you may need crampons to get a grip and an ice axe to self arrest if you fall.
- A breakable crust could grab a ski and send you flipping, "head over tea kettle."
