Official advisory for Flat Top Wilderness area in CO for Feb 14, 2017 is below. Here is a description of the advisory from the press: The Colorado Avalanche Information Center reported Tuesday that avalanche danger in the Flat Tops and Steamboat areas was moderate. “You can trigger a large avalanche today, specifically on a weak layer buried on Jan. 19,” the CAIC said. “Recent observations show avalanches continue to fail on this layer. It’s difficult to identify which slopes harbor the weak layer in question, but north-facing slopes could be more dangerous. The best way to stay safe is to avoid broad, committing slopes steeper than about 35 degrees.” Backcountry Avalanche Forecast - Steamboat & Flat Tops Tue, Feb 14, 2017 at 7:41 AM Issued by: Nick Barlow Today, Tomorrow, At, Above and Below Treeline Above Treeline Moderate (2) Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Summary You can trigger a large avalanche today, specifically on a weak layer buried on January 19th. Recent observations show avalanches continue to fail on this layer. It’s difficult to identify which slopes harbor the weak layer in question, but north-facing slopes could be more dangerous. The best way to stay safe is to avoid broad, committing slopes steeper than about 35 degrees. The same advice fits for smaller, high-consequence slopes and terrain traps. Not all slopes will behave in the same way, and it's important to evaluate the snow and terrain carefully as you travel. As the sun rises and temperatures warm this afternoon, Loose Wet avalanches are possible on steep slopes at lower elevations. These avalanches could move slowly at first, but entrain a significant amount of mass. Roller balls, pinwheels, and wet snow are good indications of an unstable snow surface. These avalanches will be more numerous near rock features and sunny cliff bands. It’s a good idea to end your day early if you observe these conditions, incorporating a low-angle escape route back to the trailhead. Avalanche Problem Persistent Slab Persistent Slab avalanches can be triggered days to weeks after the last storm. They often propagate across and beyond terrain features that would otherwise confine Wind and Storm Slab avalanches. In some cases they can be triggered remotely, from low-angle terrain or adjacent slopes. Give yourself a wide safety buffer to address the uncertainty. Avalanche Problem Loose Wet Loose Wet avalanches occur when water is running through the snowpack, and release at or below the trigger point. Avoid very steep slopes and terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies, or tree wells. Exit avalanche terrain when you see pinwheels, roller balls, a slushy surface, or during rain-on-snow events. Discussion Buried surface hoar from January 19th remains the primary catalyst for larger Persistent Slab avalanches. We know from countless reports over the past few weeks that the layer is widespread, spanning the entire Park Range from Rabbit Ears Pass to far northern Routt County. Uncertainty arises concerning the remaining sensitivity of the weak layer. The problem could be nearing its expiration date as we work deeper into February, but you should still exercise caution on all steep, committing slopes. Significant, heavy loads of storm snow (like last weekend's) are notorious for reactivating layers of surface hoar weeks after it was buried. Other weak layers like near-surface facets were also observed recently. This layer may be adjacent to an older melt/freeze crust – a suitable, low-friction bed surface for the new storm slab to run on. Watch out for Loose Wet avalanches this afternoon as sunshine strikes steeper slopes. Travelers yesterday noted multiple loose releases coming off higher peaks. Rollerballs, pinwheels, and wet snow are the first clues you'll see as the snow surface grows unstable. These avalanches may be more numerous near rock outcroppings and cliff bands. The can also release off steep slopes well above you and out of sight, potentially grabbing rocks and boulders on their way down. These heavy "slurries" could also step down to weak layers deeper in the snowpack, potentially releasing a much larger, more dangerous avalanche.