03/02/2026
This post is not meant to shame anyone. It is meant to help all of us make better decisions in the backcountry. It has been a heavy few weeks and none of us want to see another accident.
This is just my perspective. I am not an avalanche forecaster or a guide. I viewed this from a distance and a different vantage point may change things.
My first reaction was simple. I would not be there. At the very least I would not linger.
There are clear visual signs of recent wet loose avalanches on the slope above. The current forecast includes a persistent slab problem and notes that a surface wet loose could trigger that deeper layer. So yes, there is real avalanche potential in this terrain.
In the last slide you can see they are standing on a small island ridge, shown with blue arrows, likely out of the main slide paths marked in yellow. But they are still directly below an undisturbed face marked in red.
Would you choose that route while looking up at that slope?
Do you feel confident you are outside the runout?
Are you certain the slope above does not hold enough snow to reach you?
Someone else’s tracks in the snow do not equal safety. Popular zones do not remove consequence.
When traveling in avalanche terrain, minimize time exposed to overhead hazard. Keep moving. Continually assess what is above you, not just what is beneath your feet.
There are great resources available on winter backcountry travel. If you are interested in learning more, I am always happy to share what I can.
Stay aware. Stay humble. Stay safe.
❄️
