foot2foot wrote:

There's only *one* thing you *really* need, and
that's a beacon. The other things you really need
are a probe and a shovel. Clothes are but a luxury.

I disagree. The one thing you really need is to not get
caught in an avalanche in the first place. You didn't say
where you wanted to climb, but in WA you significantly up
your danger if you decide you are going to climb on some
random particular winter day, regardless of weather
considerations. If you can't pick and choose the safer days,
your risk goes up.

-Mike (wondering if it is legal to "do a 14ner", or does
that vary state by state?)