question re- Alpental backcountry gates

Anyone know what the criteria are for the patrollers at Alpy to open the bc gates? I've never really paid attention to when the gates open up, just wondering if its a matter of the patrollers wanting a certain snow depth or if avy conditions need to be sitting at moderate-low for a while. <br><br>thanks.

I think they're waiting for terrain traps ( stream beds, gulleys, and such) to fill in before opening the gates.<br>

Yep, thats the deal. More snow.