Human triggered avalanches involving recent deposits of wind drifted snow are your primary concern today and there are many steep, wind drifted slopes out there that I would consider a no-go right now. The danger is greatest on upper elevation slopes facing N-NE-E but any wind loaded slope should be considered suspect. NW winds today may also form some sensitive new drifts on southerly aspects. Recent drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance and cracking is a sign of instability. Choose terrain carefully and avoid steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

We've been seeing some cracks develop in our generally strong snowpack, particularly in our mid-elevation band just below treeline. In these areas, the snowpack is shallower, between 3'-4' deep, and layers of weak faceted snow are beginning to develop. This storm, with an inch of water weight, is the second incremental test of these buried weak layers. Add drifting and the load may be significant enough for a skier or rider to trigger a deeper and more dangerous avalanche in areas of more extreme terrain. Avoid steep, wind drifted slopes, especially in areas where you suspect the underlying snowpack is shallow and weak.

We've also been tracking a reactive weak layer on SE-S facing slopes. I'm hoping the warm temps over the weekend have helped put an end to this concern but I still don't have enough information about this to be certain.