The recent snowfall has begun to apply pressure on persistent weak layers in our snowpack and all it will take is the additional weight of a skier or rider to trigger an avalanche. Yesterday I received reports of collapsing, and in the words of local observer Travis Nauman, "there is a lot going on under there." On northerly aspects above 10,000' 18-24" of snow has been sitting on the ground since mid-October. This snow has been been deteriorating into weak, sugary, faceted snow near the ground, and at different levels in the snowpack. For now, the strategy is to avoid steep slopes above about 10,000' that face NW-N-E. Human triggered avalanches up to 2' deep or more are likely in these areas.

With plenty of snow available for transport, moderate winds today will drift snow and create new wind slabs in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Look for fresh drifts on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features, and avoid steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Be alert to signs of instability such as collapsing or cracking in the snow surface.