TODAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. PATCHY FOG IN THE MORNING. ISOLATED RAIN SHOWERS. HIGHS AROUND 49. LIGHT WINDS BECOMING SOUTHWEST 10 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.

TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY. ISOLATED RAIN SHOWERS. LOWS AROUND 35. LIGHT WINDS BECOMING EAST 10 MPH LATE.

TUESDAY...DECREASING CLOUDS. HIGHS AROUND 53. NORTHEAST WIND
10 MPH.

Temperatures cooled well again overnight and conditions remain somewhat cloudy...

We are loosing the mass quickly above our urban zones. The danger levels may still be there for seeing small avalanches but we have lost enough mass that nothing is expected to be too big.

If we see significant precip the dangers could rise a little... but for the most part we are running out of concern for the urban enviroments.

Be aware in the backcountry avalanches are still possible for a bit longer.

Be cautious on steep slopes showing glide cracks and avoid spending time around or under them.

Safe Travel Techniques on Glaciers

Mountain Experience is Needed for Secure Glacier Skiing and Hiking

Route Finding on Glaciers, a Mountaineering Skill - Lisa Auer

High mountain skiing requires mountaineering techniques as well as off-piste skiing skills. Glacier hazards include crevasses, slipping on ice and serac falls.

Crevasse rescue is an emergency technique used to extract someone from a mountain crevice. A crevasse fall can be a serious even fatal mountain accident. Preventative action is therefore the key to safety in big mountains.

Route finding, appropriate rope use and crevasse rescue techniques are some of the skills required to maximise safety while travelling on a glacier.

Since glaciers are moving, they present an ever-changing mountain landscape ? often spectacular but also hazardous to skiers climbers and hikers travelling on glaciated terrain. The dangers may be hidden from view under snow or, during poor visibility. Crevasses, ice and seracs (unstable towers of ice) cannot be located precisely on a topographic map.

Planning a Glacier Trip

Safe glacier travel begins in the planning stages, before the party has stepped out the door. Take into account the group's glacier experience, ability and equipment, the weather forecast, current snow conditions, familiarity with the area and consider using the services of a UIAGM / IFMGA certified mountain guide before venturing on a glacier trip.

Don?t plan a glacier trip in a poor forecast, even inversion cloud on a fine weather day during a high pressure system can create poor visibility or flat light. Glaciers typically have few safe features or landmarks to navigate by.

Use a Rope For Glacier Travel
?On a snow-covered glacier, in summer when the party is on foot, e.g. glacier hiking or approaching a climb. Indeed, always use a rope irrespective of the season when travelling on foot on a snowy glacier.
?When skiing uphill (skinning) on unfamiliar snow-covered glaciers in winter.
?If snow cover is shallow, low density or variable, e.g. early winter or late spring after significant snow melt.
?If terrain and crevasse patterns are unknown or difficult to assess.
?When visibility is poor.

Un-roped glacier travel may be considered when:
?The glacier is free of snow (a dry glacier) such that the crevasses are clearly visible.
?Downhill skiing on familiar snow-covered glaciers in winter.
?Terrain and crevasse patterns are known and easy to assess.
?Rescue equipment is available and the individuals in the party are confident in their rescue roles and well versed in various rescue techniques.
?Visibility is good.
?The rope may compound other problems, e.g. multiple individuals caught in an avalanche.

Travel Techniques on a Glacier
?The most experienced member of the group should be in charge of route finding and pacing.
?Ski in control, always be able to stop.
?Never travel alone.
?Never take skis or snowboard off unless roped with a partner. Snow boarders may carry telescopic poles and establish a buddy system with a skier for assistance on flat terrain.
?Ski early in the morning when snow-bridges are well frozen.
?Cross snow bridges with controlled speed so as not to fall or grind to a halt in the middle.
?Probe suspect snow bridges using a ski pole or avalanche probe.

What to Carry for Safe Glacier Travel
?Appropriate crevasse rescue and first aid equipment.
?Always wear a harness. In the event of a crevasse fall it is much easier to rescue someone from a crevasse who is wearing a harness.
?Wear / carry sufficient clothing for a change in temperature or to cope with being stationary for extended time in the event of an accident or incident.
?Pack snack food and water. Vigorous activity in glacier / high alpine environments can quickly lead to dehydration.
?Consider carrying an emergency shelter such as a Bothay Bag.
?A mobile phone or communication device for reaching emergency services and learn the emergency numbers for mountain rescue in that area.
?Navigational tools such as map, compass and GPS.

Always proceed cautiously with glacier ventures to minimize exposure to mountain hazards. Do not hesitate to rope up if the terrain and crevasse patterns are unknown. Ensure the party has the skills and equipment for extracting themselves from a situation if things go wrong.

Unlike skiing on piste where each skier can go where they like thanks to groomed, patrolled trails; security off-piste especially on glaciated terrain depends largely on the collective behaviour of the group: organisation, discipline and the choice of route.

References for this article include: F. Burnier and D. Potard Mont Blanc Off-Piste, Vamos, France 2008.