Yesterday's new snow was very reactive to riders. The layer of weakness in most cases was a density change a couple of inches above the melt-freeze crust or associated with increased snowfall rates throughout the day. This weak layer in the new snow was starting to settle out below 8,000' where it became more difficult to trigger avalanches as the day went on.

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Today, it will be more difficult but not impossible to trigger a new snow avalanche failing on a density change within the newest snow. Any new snow that comes in this afternoon will be sensitive to backcountry travelers on steep slopes. IF the slope has had any wind affect it will be much more sensitive and like we saw yesterday you may be able to trigger soft slab avalanches 10"-14" deep breaking above you.

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When an avalanche breaks above you vs at your skis or board it is more dangerous because you are now part of that avalanche and have less control over how you move through that terrain. Soft slab avalanches have enough power and oomph to take you of your feet and in terrain where they have the potential to gather more snow debris, piles can be quite deep.

Springtime in the mountains. What this means is that like the last weekend at your favorite ski resort most anything goes. You may see new snow avalanches, wind-drifted snow avalanches, wet snow avalanches, green-housing (filtered sun creating rapid warming of the snowpack at all elevations and aspects), glide avalanches, and thunder snow.

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It's the time of year when it's easy to fall back on heuristic traps based on past experience, particularly familiarity. Keep your head about you when traveling in the mountains as even a small avalanche could have real consequences. Read more about heuristics and decision making from local avalanche researcher Ian McCammon HERE.