Though new snow will be the most immediate threat, the greatest danger will come from new and drifting snow adding additional stress to reactive, persistent weak layers in the snowpack. These layers of loose, sugary faceted snow can be found at the bottom of the Christmas storm, as well as on top of the October crust. Both layers are proving to be reactive in stability tests and the new snow will make a bad situation worse. Stay off of, and out from under steep terrain that faces W-N-NE where human triggered avalanches 2'-4' deep are likely.

Blowing and drifting snow will exacerbate the danger today as fresh wind drifts overload a weak and fragile snowpack. Avoid steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow. On slopes that face W-N-E, wind drifted snow will increase the likelihood for avalanches to step down to a buried persistent weak layer and avalanches 2'-4' deep are likely.

The most recent snow has formed a dense, cohesive slab on all aspects. Cracking and collapsing are sure signs of instabilty. Also look for dense blocks between ski cuts indicating that a slab is present. Avoid steep slopes on all aspects where you can detect slabs within the most recent snow.