14 Feb 2012

Loose snow avalanches are usually why Lakeside is closed on a sunny day.
At 2280 meters the temperature is -9 at 06:00. Winds were 15-20 KPH out of the SE.At 1550 meters the temperature was -5.5, Relative Humidity was 85%, and the barometer was on a slight decline. There was no new snow last night. In the valley it is -3.

For a definition of a loose snow avalanche click here: Loose snow avalanche

The Lakeside Avalanche Closure has taken away numerous peoples skiing privileges over the years, it was closed yesterday, wind distributed snow from the NE winds, warm temperatures cause loose snow avalanches to start up high in the rocks and entrain the new snow, usually travelling over the traverse. There not large avalanches, but they certainly could knock you off the traverse and hurt you.
 Remember if the sign line says closed stay out or loose your skiing privileges.

For the up to date Avalanche Advisory click here: Avalanche Advisory


Here is a link to  the latest Avalanche Fatality in North America: Colorado Avalanche