www.komonews.com/news/local/51-year-old-...-Pass-363133171.html
Last year was, I think, a recent record: no serious avalanche or immersion fatalities in the PNW (fact-check and correct me as appropriate). This is undoubtedly due to the lack of snow. On the other hand, the early part of this season has already included a number of serious incidents. All things being equal, the hazards have been legitimate, but I think the scarcity of skiing opportunities last season and consequent lapse in steady application of training & good practice* have increased our subjective hazards this season.
Please take extra care out there, mountain brothers and sisters.
* for example, beacon practice; digging pits; checking and reflecting on NWAC and weather forecasts; ... stuff we didn't do too regularly last season.
