Strong southerly winds on Wednesday blew and drifted snow into slabs on leeward slopes near treeline and above. The problem is most pronounced on upper elevation slopes with a north or easterly aspect, but cross-loading may also occur on slopes facing west or southeast. Look for fresh drifting on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and sub ridges. Shooting cracks in drifted snow are a sure sign of instability. Backcountry travelers should avoid any steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

On south through west facing slopes, and on low elevation northerly aspects, the danger for loose wet avalanches will rise as the day heats up. Signs of instability include rollerballs, pinwheels, and sloppy wet snow. Stay off of, and out from under steep slopes where these signs are present.