Aspen ===== Current Keywords: LOW, MODERATE, avalanche cycle, avalanche danger, bed surface, crown, crusts, depth hoar, faceted, high pressure, human triggered avalanches, naturally, precipitation , slab, slabs, stresse, trough, weak layer, wind loaded, wind loading, wind slabs, wind-drifted, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Aspen Zone Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 7:04:39 AM Forecaster: Brian McCall Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Friday Night Saturday Temperature(°F) 22-27 20-25 22-27 Wind Speed(mph) 10-20 10-20 20-30 G/50 Wind Direction SSW S SW Sky Cover Mostly Cloudy Overcast Mostly Cloudy Snow(in) 0-1 2-5 4-7 Snowpack Discussion Strong West and Southwest winds during the last 24 hours have continued to load snow onto an increasingly tender snowpack around the Aspen Zone. Five avalanches have been reported to the office in the last 3 days. Three ran naturally on Tuesday afternoon near Snowmass on steeper, heavily wind loaded north and northeast facing slopes around 12,000 feet. The slabs were less than 2 feet thick, but the largest was about 600 feet wide. Human triggered avalanches have occurred more recently with one being reported on Wednesday on an east aspect at about 10,800 ft, near Richmond Ridge. Yesterday morning a small remotely triggered avalanche occurred, also in the Richmond Ridge area, on an east aspect, at 11,400 feet. This one was triggered from about 50 feet away in a steeper wind loaded pocket off the ridge. Depth at the crown was up to 2 feet. A shallow and weak older snowpack from the dry fall weather is being stressed by the increasing load of wind deposited snow. On slopes facing northwest, north, northeast, and east you will find a mix of weak faceted snow, depth hoar, and some crusts mixed together at the base of the snowpack. The added weight of new wind slabs in the upper snowpack is giving us the perfect combination of slab, weak layer, and bed surface to see human triggered avalanches on these aspects today. We are transitioning into a more wide-spread avalanche problem. Avalanche danger will increase with the storm forecasted to begin later today. The size and intensity of this winter storm could create our first avalanche cycle of the winter season. Expect unstable slabs on steeper terrain near and above treeline, especially in areas the have seen recent wind loading, and carefully evaluate a slope before you commit to it. Avalanche Danger The avalanche danger this morning is MODERATE on Northwest, North, Northeast, and East facing slopes above treeline. There are also pockets of MODERATE danger on steep, wind-drifted Northwest, North, Northeast, and East facing slopes near treeline. On other aspects and at lower elevations, a shallow snowpack will keep the danger at LOW, for now.Expect to see an increase in the danger ratings beginning this afternoon. Your backcountry observations are very important to us. If you are out today, please let us know what you are seeing. Observations can be submitted to [59]caic@qwest.net . Front Range =========== Current Keywords: LOW, MODERATE, avalanche danger, collapses, faceted, high pressure, precipitation , ski cut, slab, slabs, sugar snow, trough, whumpfing, wind drifted, wind loaded, wind slabs, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Front Range Zone Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 7:02:55 AM Forecaster: Ann Mellick Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Friday Night Saturday Temperature(°F) 25-30 20-25 23-28 Wind Speed(mph) 20-30 G/40s 20-30 G/40s 25-35 G/60 Wind Direction SW SW SW Sky Cover Mostly Cloudy Overcast Overcast Snow(in) 0-2 3-6 3-6 Snowpack Discussion Our snowpack is beginning to get interesting. New snow fell on a very shallow and weak foundation of either faceted grains (sugar snow) or a mix of wind loaded layers. Areas where there was little to no snow are beginning to get covered. The last storm came and went with sustained moderate to strong winds. This means that most of the new snow has been re-loaded to depressions, gullies or disappeared towards Kansas. Observers have confirmed how tender the newly loaded layers are, reporting cracking and easily triggered small slides all above tree line on North through South aspects. Skiers near Loveland Pass triggered several small avalanches, but up to 2' deep. In the next zone to the west, a ski cut released a hard slab avalanche over 2' deep and nearly 200' wide on a north facing slope near treeline on Thursday. These conditions are not widespread, but are common where wind slabs are resting on the weak faced snow that formed before the last storm. We are transition into a more wide-spread avalanche problem, especailly with more new snow and strong winds in the forecast. Proceed with caution if you venture out into the backcountry. Expect to see signs of instability like shooting cracks, whumpfing collapses, or recent avalanches. Expect unstable slabs on steep terrain near and above treeline, and carefully evaluate a slope before you commit to it. Avalanche Danger There are pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger on steep, wind drifted slopes that face northwest, north, northeast, east, and southeast and are near and above treeline. Unfortunately, these are the same areas that look like they offer the best conditions. On less steep slopes the avalanche danger is LOW. Grand Mesa ========== Current Keywords: LOW, avalanche danger, beacon, drifted, high pressure, precipitation , trough, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Grand Mesa Zone Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 7:07:11 AM Forecaster: Ann Mellick Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Friday Night Saturday Temperature(°F) 27-32 26-31 28-33 Wind Speed(mph) 5-15 10-20 15-25 G/30 Wind Direction SSW S SW Sky Cover Mostly Cloudy Overcast Overcast Snow(in) 1-3 8-11 10-13 Snowpack Discussion Although Wednesday's storm dropped 6 inches of snow, there is still too little snow to pose much of an avalanche danger. Watch for isolated areas of drifted snow on steep, shady slopes. Grand Mesa has the potential to receive upwards of 2 feet of snow. Conditions will be changing overnight on Frinday so now is a good time to be preparing for a safe season in the backcountry: Re-read some of those books you have, sign up for a local avalanche course, and go practice your avalanche beacon skills with your friends. When you venture into the mountains, practice safe route selection, evaluate local snowpack stability, and communicate effectively with your partners. With more snow in the forecast, it won't be long before these skills will be essential. Avalanche Danger The avalanche danger in the Grand Meas Zone is LOW. Remember, LOW does not mean avalanches are impossible, just that problem areas are isolated. San Juan North ============== Current Keywords: LOW, MODERATE, avalanche danger, faceted, high pressure, precipitation , slab, slabs, trough, wind slab, windslab, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Northern San Juan Mountain Zone Avalanche Watch in Effect through 12/1/2007 6:00:00 AM Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 7:23:56 AM Forecaster: Ann Mellick Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Friday Night Saturday Temperature(°F) 23-28 22-27 25-30 Wind Speed(mph) 15-25 G/50 15-25 G/40 25-35 G/60 Wind Direction SSW SSW SW Sky Cover Mostly Cloudy Overcast Overcast Snow(in) 2-5 12-15 7-10 Snowpack Discussion Recent winds have had a less than positive effect on the snowpack. An observer around Telluride described the snowpack as "little waves of hard slab surrounded by rocks" above treeline, and "variable slabs and sugar" near treeline. Wind effects on the snowpack are being observed even below treeline. Near and above treeline the slabs on northwest, north, northeast, and east aspects sit on either faceted, cohesionless snow, or a fairly slick wind-affected surface - neither makes a good foundation. Snow has all but disappeared from southerly aspects near and below treeline. Remember that this snow is what will form the base for the incoming storm. One skier-triggered hard slab was reported near Telluride (2' deep, 20' wide, 100' vertical), though we don't have the aspect and elevation information at this time. As windslab forms up high, it is good to remember that these hard slabs can be triggered from below and can propagate over relatively long distances - watch for signs of instability such as shooting cracks and hollow sounds as you travel on snow today. Conditions are about to change quite rapidly in the San Juan. With an impressive storm on its way and continuing through Saturday, we're likely to see some more avalanche activity this weekend. Avalanche Danger There are pockets of MODERATE danger on steep northwest, north, northeast and east facing slopes near and above treeline - human triggered slides remain possible on steep slopes with these aspects. Keep an eye out for the pockets of recently loaded snow and wind slab. On other aspects and less steep slopes the danger is LOW. The avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE on NW-N-NE-E aspects in near and above treeline areas by this afternoon if the storm comes in faster or stronger than expected. Please [59]send us any observations. San Juan South ============== Current Keywords: LOW, MODERATE, avalanche cycle, avalanche danger, beacon, high pressure, precipitation , settles, trough, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Southern San Juan Mountain Zone Avalanche Watch in Effect through 12/1/2007 6:00:00 AM Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 7:33:38 AM Forecaster: Ann Mellick Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Friday Night Saturday Temperature(°F) 28-33 27-32 27-32 Wind Speed(mph) 10-20 G/40s 15-25 G/50 20-30G/60 Wind Direction SW S SW Sky Cover Mostly Cloudy Overcast Overcast Snow(in) 3-6 15-20 12-16 Snowpack Discussion There is limited snow cover in the Southern San Juan Zone, but that is already beginning to change! Our forecaster on Wolf Creek Pass reported light snow this morning. High-elevation areas of the Southern San Juan Zone could get 2-4' of new snow over the next few days. This could trigger our first big avalanche cycle of the season. Today will be a good day to get out early and map the patches of old snow. Once the dust settles, knowing where these patches are could be very helpful as these areas hold the weakest snow. Conditions in the backcountry will change rapidly today into tomorrow. With an impressive storm on its way, we are likely to see some avalanche activity this weekend. Now is a good time to be preparing for a safe season in the backcountry: Re-read some of those books you have, sign up for a local avalanche course, and go practice your avalanche beacon skills with your friends. When you venture into the mountains, practice safe route selection, evaluate local snowpack stability, and communicate effectively with your partners. With more snow in the forecast, it won't be long before these skills will be essential. Avalanche Danger The avalanche danger in the Southern San Juan Zone is LOW. Remember, LOW does not mean avalanches are impossible, just that problem areas are isolated. The avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE on NW-N-NE-E aspects near ridge tops by this afternoon if the storm comes in faster or stronger than expected. Be aware of changing conditions and make decisions accordingly. Sangre de Christo ================= Current Keywords: LOW, avalanche danger, beacon, drifts, faceted, high pressure, precipitation , stabilize, trough, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Sangre De Cristo Zone Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 7:39:03 AM Forecaster: Ann Mellick Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Friday Night Saturday Temperature(°F) 25-30 27-32 27-32 Wind Speed(mph) 15-25 20-30 G/50 25-35 G/60 Wind Direction SSW SSW SW Sky Cover Mostly Cloudy Overcast Overcast Snow(in) 1-3 7-10 5-8 Snowpack Discussion There is limited snow cover in the Sangre de Cristo zone. However, this looks like it is about to change. Currently, shaded areas above 11,000' have the most snow. Westerly winds built smooth rounded drifts that are a few feet deep in places. Time and warm temperatures have helped to stabilize the small amounts of older snow in avalanche start zones, but the areas that have the most snow now will be the biggest problem once new snow falls on top. New snow will bond poorly with weak faceted snow and smooth drifts. Now is a good time to be preparing for a safe season in the backcountry: Re-read some of those books you have, sign up for a local avalanche course, and go practice your avalanche beacon skills with your friends. When you venture into the mountains, practice safe route selection, evaluate local snowpack stability, and communicate effectively with your partners. With more snow on its way, it won't be long before these skills will be essential. Avalanche Danger The avalanche danger in the Sangre de Cristo zone is LOW. Remember, LOW does not mean avalanches are impossible, just that problem areas are isolated. Sawatch ======= Current Keywords: CONSIDERABLE, HIGH, MODERATE, avalanche danger, cross loaded, crossloaded, crusts, drifted, drifts, facets, high pressure, powder , precipitation , slab, slabs, sugar snow, trough, weak layers, wind-loaded, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Sawatch Range Zone Avalanche Watch in Effect through 12/1/2007 5:00:00 PM Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 3:53:32 PM Forecaster: Ann Mellick Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Night Saturday Saturday Night Temperature(°F) 23-28 22-27 15-27 Wind Speed(mph) 20-30 G/50 25-35 G/60 15-25 Wind Direction SSW SW W Sky Cover Overcast Overcast Decreasing Snow(in) 8-12 6-9 1-4 Snowpack Discussion The Sawatch zone missed out on most of the mid-week snow, but received the mid-week winds. The winds have drifted and crossloaded what little snow there is into gullies or behind terrain features. Many of these drifts formed on older snow. The old coverage is spotty, with the old snow remaining in steep, northerly gullies and pockets. In some areas the old snow is a combination of facets (sugar snow) and crusts. Other places there are just facets. Both of these conditions make great weak layers and then all we need is a slab. Wind drifts make a great slab. Our concern for tonight through tomorrow is in the Southern portion of the zone, specificaly, the Monarch Pass area. If the forecasted snow amounts become real, the Sawatch zone may enter its first avalanche cycle of the season. The new snow and any drifts that form will also make good slabs and cause the avalanche danger to rise. Please keep your powder fever in check as being caught in an avalanche would not be fun, it would really hurt or be worse. Think of this storm as being one that changes the view of the landscape instead of one that makes a powder day. If you venture into the backcountry, approach all slopes with caution, especially if it is freshly wind loaded or cross loaded. Visability may be poor to non-existant at times, so do not go to areas that are not familiar to you. Avalanche Danger We will be issuing an Avalanche Watch beginning Friday at 4pm in anticipation of CONSIDERABLE with pockets of HIGH danger on steep, wind-loaded north, northeast, and east facing slopes above treeline. Keep an eye out for the pockets of freshly loaded snow sitting on old snow. On less steep slopes the danger is MODERATE. Expect the danger to rise going into the weekend. Please [59]send us observations if you are getting out. Steamboat ========= Current Keywords: MODERATE, avalanche danger, drifted, facet, high pressure, lee , precipitation , trough, whumpfing, wind drifts, wind loaded, winddrifts, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Steamboat and Parks Range Zone Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 4:19:01 PM Forecaster: Ann Mellick Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Night Saturday Saturday Night Temperature(°F) 22-27 23-28 12-17 Wind Speed(mph) 15-25 G/40 20-30 G/50 20-30 Wind Direction SW SSW W Sky Cover Overcast Overcast Mostly Cloudy Snow(in) 6-9 8-11 3-6 Snowpack Discussion 1-3 inches of new snow fell today with more on its way to the Steamboat Zone. Strong SW winds will continue to redistrubute snow onto lee north and easterly aspects. Recent small storms have deposited just enough snow onto higher shady terrain to be an issue for the incoming snowfall. This snow has had enough time to facet and thus weaken. Some has also been blown into stiff winddrifts. These wind drifts may be sensitive where they are sitting on the old rotten snow. While the incoming snow is welcome, it will raise the avalanche danger. High precipitation rates and strong winds will combine to create a tender snowpack. New snow will be reactive to the weight of a winter traveler, epecially as the snow piles up. Areas that were snow covered prior to the storm will be the most likely place to harbor weak snow and thus, avalanche. Beware of drifted and loaded slopes, especially on NW-N-NE- E aspects at higher elevations. Look for changing conditions in the backcountry on Saturday. The danger will be rising on all aspects and elevations if the high end of forecasted snow totals are reached. Watch for signs of instability such as cracking, whumpfing sounds and recent avalanche activity. . Avalanche Danger The avalanche danger is generally MODERATE in the Steamboat zone. The most likely place to trigger an avalanche is a wind loaded slope that is near or above treeline and faces northwest through east. Vail ==== Current Keywords: CONSIDERABLE, LOW, avalanche danger, collapses, high pressure, precipitation , ski cut, slab, slabby, slabs, stresse, trough, whumpfing, wind slabs, wind-loaded, Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast for the Vail and Summit County Zone Forecast Issued on 11/30/2007 3:53:31 PM Forecaster: Ann Mellick Weather Synopsis Hold on to your hats! We have a good storm brewing, especially for the Southern and Central Mountains. The upper trough moving out of the Pacific northwest will continue to drop southward eventually merging with a cutoff low from Baja. These two systems will join forces and pump copious amounts of subtropical moisture into the state with strong southwest flow. The meat of the storm hits the Southern Mountains Friday night into Saturday. The focus shifts to the Central and Northern Mountains Saturday afternoon and night as the main trough moves east. The most recent model runs are backing off a bit, but still indicate that the San Juans will get walloped with an impressive amount of precipitation in a short time period. Temperatures will be quite warm with this storm resulting in relatively high snowlines and heavy, wet snow. Temperatures cool with trough passage late Saturday night. Strong subsidence occurs on Sunday with snow potential diminishing and high pressure building. Weather Friday Night Saturday Saturday Night Temperature(°F) 20-25 20-25 10-15 Wind Speed(mph) 15-25 G/40s 20-30 G/50 25-35 G/60 Wind Direction SW SW W Sky Cover Overcast Mostly Cloudy Mostly Cloudy Snow(in) 2-5 2-5 0-3 Snowpack Discussion Our snowpack throughout the zone is generally weak. It sure looks and feels like winter out there but the snowpack is still too new. The winds that have been around since the last storm have really altered the snowpack, forming slabby conditions on Easterly aspects above tree line. Yesterday, I watched two skiers trigger very small slabs on a steep east facing gully with nearly every turn. Observers have confirmed how tender the newly loaded layers are, reporting cracking and easily triggered small slides all above tree line on North through South aspects. Yesterday a ski cut in the 10-mile range release a hard slab avalanche over 2' deep and nearly 200' wide on a north facing slope near treeline. These conditions are not widespread, but are common where wind slabs are resting on the weak faced snow that formed before the last storm. Tonight, we will transition into a more wide-spread avalanche problem. The storm passing through tonight and tomorrow has a lot of moisture associated with it. Our current snowpack will be stressed to the max. Proceed with caution if you venture out into the backcountry. Expect to experience signs of instability like shooting cracks, whumpfing collapses, or recent avalanches. Untill this storm clears, visability may be poor. Expect to find unstable slabs on steep terrain near and above treeline, and carefully evaluate a slope before you commit to it. Expect more snow to fall on an already weak snowpack with moderate to strong winds. Being caught in an avalanche will not only ruin your day but it will hurt. Avalanche Danger There are pockets of CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger in steep wind-loaded areas such as the sides of gullies and rock outcropings. You will find these conditions in near and above treeline areas that face northwest, north, northeast, east, and southeast. Else where the avalanche danger is generally LOW.