Stronger than expected NE winds yesterday transported snow on to leeward slopes in the high country. Wind loading at mid-elevations has also been observed. Be on the lookout today for fresh drifts that could be sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider. A triggered wind slab also has the potential to step down into a buried, persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche. Avoid steep slopes that look to be wind-loaded, or that have a smooth, rounded appearance. Cracking or "whumphing" is a sign of instability.

Areas with poor snowpack structure continue to be observed but weak layers are displaying varying degrees of reactivity. Dave Garcia's party discovered a reactive weak layer Wednesday on a NW aspect at 10,150'. Some shallow snowpack areas are also developing a layer of weak, sugary, faceted snow near the ground. Prudent backcountry travelers will perform their own stability analyses before jumping on to steep terrain. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on a buried persistent weak layer on north-facing slopes that are wind-loaded, or in areas with rocky, radical terrain that have a shallow snowpack.

Note the persistent weak layer in the snowpit wall. Travis Nauman photo.