Safe tour this weekend?

Yeah - Randy has a point. Anything that is fun for turns has non-zero avy hazard in bad conditions. I'm betting Androolus is not the only one to have seen a slide at Yodelin...

It might be good to look up the reason that the ski lift was shut down and the plans were canned for a resort at Yodelin.

On the other hand. I believe much of Paradise is safe for touring provided the typical retinue of avalanche safety measured are observed. I've already shared this here, but my brothers and I were touring at Paradise on the 24th and the snow was very unstable. We managed to have a completely safe, fun day... but driving down the road from Paradise our car was hit by a fairly large, loose-snow avalanche. Enough snow to bury the road ... so I think at this point, I would have to consider the risk of driving between Longmire and Paradise.

Well put. Getting out there definitely seems to be a more a hazard sometimes.

I would also suggest Hyak during the week if they're not operating or Kendall clear cut area. Although, they too can pose some element of risk...see Dec. '08 tr's...

It might be good to look up the reason that the ski lift was shut down and the plans were canned for a resort at Yodelin.

The big Yodelin avalanche in 1971 started on the NE end of Heather (Skyline) Ridge. It was across the highway from the ski area. That doesn't mean the ski area is always safe, but I thought the distinction was worth noting.

It might also depend on what you mean by touring. Here, in the southend, for the last couple of weeks, Letty and I have been skiing the frontcountry, below 3000 or so - not in itself a guarantee of safety, of course, but the snow does appear to be well consolidated and anchored where we've been looking. Trails and trees leading to clearcuts with enough coverage to lay some decent lines has been our playground ~ 2, 3, 4, 500' on a lap on patternbase boards is a blast. A couple thousand feet a day, or even less, is fine by me on these shallower, hybrid outings. 1800vf yesterday in a half day outing at 2500' - good coverage for the most part - no snow snakes found. Spied a very nice looking clearcut at about 3000' (92 road system) - going to check it out today.