Simple

[Tiny]

Then why bother saying anything at all in the first place Tiny? Why open with "Word has it that someone got taken for a ride" in response to Buster's thread if you're not going to say more than what can be gotten by reading Pinner's link to the Durango Herald.

You know what? I was right the first time. I think you suck after all.

Now I really am going to sleep, so I can get up early enough to form my own firsthand opinion about the snowpack on Berthoud Pass. Troll.

Didn't see the link above - not so good on the internet. But at least I gave you the aspect, elevation etc.
Have fun digging your 40cm snow pit and looking forward to your in-depth analysis!
Let me guess - you'll find some TG and then some crust and then looser snow and then some firmer snow and then the new snow. And it will all be white.

[Tiny]

I'll tell you what I think. I think anybody who makes light of something this serious has very little to offer this place.

I apologize if you took it as making light. That was not my intent - all I said was that someone got taken for a ride. There is no judgement in that statement, unlike Yossarrin's followup to my post. Maybe I just misinterpted his response, but I don't think so.


edit - you guys need to lighten up. First the attacks on the kid from Alta about how and where he should ski and now this. You're not all "experts" so quit acting like it.
(me not an expert either)

[loamslug]

Well, this thread has gone to hell, but I thought I'd toss in some info. Two of my friends went down to the San Juans last Monday, and came back pretty scared. Lots of wind loading, shooting cracks, whumphing, pretty much everything you don't want in the backcountry. It's still early season - be careful.

From the Colorado Avalanche Center:
"There has also been at least three backcountry skiers caught; one was partly buried and injured near Silverton.

A series of storms since mid September left behind a shallow snow cover that in places has become weak and sugar-like (faceted grains). Recent snows and strong winds have created pockets of both soft and hard slab avalanche conditions, especially at higher elevations and on the north- to east-facing slopes and gullies, though any steep and recently wind-drifted slope is suspect. Triggered avalanches are possible."

http://geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche/