Avalanches on Red and Granite

I think the summer routing of the Granite mtn trail was too keep the distance that the lookout had to hike to fetch water was minimized.

Adding an alternate trail that avoided the SE gullies would have multiple benefits,  beyond avoiding avalanche hazards in winter and early spring it would melt out faster than the main trail.   In summer and fall it would provide and interesting "lollipop" option on what is a very popular trail.

I'm all for a sign, even if 1 person reads it and turns around, that's all the difference to me. A few bucks to have that is so much better than a SAR for a body.

I do think someone should create the sign with a spot on the bottom of the sign with "Fatalities" and notch a new one slot every time someone passes on the mountain. That may be a bit more sobering.

Granted you can't fix stupid or uneducated, but you can at least try to educate.

so sooo sad. My heart sank hearing about this weekend.

There are generic signs at th's telling people how to identify a griz from a black where there haven't been griz in decades. But it gets your attention. How many grizzly attacks have there been in  wa? Yet it warrants signage.

I agree. One life is worth more then infinite signage. Less then generic though. We all know enough about our own little zones to alert the dangers regardless of past accidents.
Ill use surprise creek for example. No avi deaths, but one of the more dangerous routes to do near stevens.  The second mile being espexially dangerous to overlapping paths in a narrow valley.

Maybe some sort of form letter to fill in the blanks so it had consistancy from th to th?

A map with known avi paths to give respect.

A list of ALL the incidents in washington at every th so as not to make people think it is safe because noone died there yet.

Just wanted to make folks aware that the following sign is posted at both trailheads (Granite/Pratt and PCT-N Commonwealth), which each group walked pasts Saturday.  Appreciate all the suggestions for more signage and wouldn't want to discourage further dicussions.  Just wanted to let you know what is currently in place.  We've found the Ranger district (North Bend) extremely helpful in allowing us to put signs and beacon station in place, with some reservation toward over billboarding a wilderness area.  I'll check back on this thread for additional suggestions to improve the signage.  We (Cascade Backcountry Ski Patrol) currently has a permit for placing signs at these trailheads and would love to see them improve awareness and safe travel decision making.

Andy,

where is that sign located at the Commonwealth entrance? I haven't noticed it before in ~8-10 trips up that way this winter, but maybe because I usually access from the PCT right next to the freeway? Anyway, more or larger signage next to the main entrance for shoers at the summer access road, and visible from Alpental road would be beneficial, given what a busy area it is.

Andy,

where is that sign located at the Commonwealth entrance? I haven't noticed it before in ~8-10 trips up that way this winter, but maybe because I usually access from the PCT right next to the freeway?  Anyway, more or larger signage next to the main entrance for shoers at the summer access road, and visible from Alpental road would be beneficial, given what a busy area it is.

It's on a 6x6 post 50 feet in from Alpental road on the now snow covered road to the PCT-N parking lot. As most park at West to access the trailhead, figured this was the most walked by spot.

Other fuel for this discussion:

1) why no NWAC special bulletin? I was discounting all NWAC forecasts from Thursday forward. Anyone at the passes knew Avy hazard was 'High'.
2) FS rangers have been leading tours up commonwealth for several seasons now, redirecting urban enthusiasts wanting a easy access walk in snow from Gold Creek. Commonwealth has considerably more complex terrain.
3) we need more skilled search and rescue volunteers! We're relying on to few for callouts and current members are aging. Anyone on this thread can make a difference. If you're not on a SAR callout list, contact me at nandyhill@gmail.com for details on how you can help.

Andy