Trekkers Should Be Wary Of Avalanches

Back-country travelers can expect to trigger avalanches on steep terrain this weekend, according to the Forest Service.

Avalanche conditions are rated as “moderate,” after being downgraded from “high” earlier in the week. That means that natural avalanches are not likely, but human-triggered ones are probable.

The snowpack still has an unusually high percentage of water, 150 percent of normal, which creates unstable snow conditions on steep slopes.

The warm weather this week performed double duty, according to Bob Kasun, Forest Service hydrologic technician. The rain set loose some natural avalanches, but it also helped stabilize the snowpack by creating better bonds between layers.

When the temperatures drop below freezing at night, it further strengthens the snowpack. Poorly bonded layers remain deep within the snowpack, Kasun said.

All back-country travelers should carry avalanche rescue equipment, including a shovel, probe, rescue beacon and first aid kit. Travelers can avoid exposure to avalanches by selecting timbered trails, ridge routes and avoiding open, steep areas.

, DataTimes