The winds have caused some damage over the past week, scouring some slopes and loading others. Wind slabs are likely to be stiff and stubborn, given the high snow density. Today, moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will transport any available snow and load ridgelines, subridges, and gullies with fresh wind drifts. Avoid steep slopes that are actively loading or have a rounded, pillow-like appearance. Cracking under your feet, a hollow feel, or stiff, chalky snow are all signs of areas to avoid.

• Even small avalanches can have serious consequences in shallow snow conditions, where a slide could drag you through rocks or downed trees below.
• Stick to safe travel practices: travel with a partner, and cross or ride steep slopes one at a time while the rest of your group watches from a safe spot.

In the Central and Northern Bear River Range, weak, faceted snow from November is buried beneath a thick crust or multiple crusts and dense snow. On steep, wind-drifted slopes—especially where the crust is thin or missing—people can still trigger avalanches that may propagate widely. Collapsing, shooting cracks, and whumpfs, are clear warning signs of unstable snow. Remotely triggered avalanches are also possible where the overlying slab is thinner.

Snowpit profile from the Emigration Summit Area - North Aspect - 8300'. You can see the stout crust near the surface, capping the weaker snow near the ground.