You need three ingredients to create an avalanche:

• A weak layer
• A slab
• A slope steep enough to slide (anything over 30 degrees)

In the photo below, you can see we have the perfect setup for persistent weak-layer avalanches. This is especially true on west, north, and east-facing slopes at mid and upper elevations where old October/November facets are still lurking (see locator rose)

My advice: avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees and stay off of—and out from under—any terrain facing the north half of the compass. These avalanches can be triggered remotely, meaning you can collapse the weak layer and start an avalanche from a distance. Traveling in avalanche terrain is NOT recommended today.

Photo: Nikki and Jeremy showing the poor snowpack structure.

Overnight the wind picked up and continues to blow from the west-northwest at speeds of 20- 30 mph across the upper elevations. These winds are actively drifting snow and creating fresh slabs. Be on the lookout for slopes that are loading or have that rounded, pillow-like look. Cracking under your feet, a hollow feel, or stiff, chalky snow are all signs of fresh wind drifts you should avoid.

On slopes where a weak layer of faceted snow sits underneath, even a small wind drift can overload the structure. The added weight from the wind will make any avalanche break deeper and wider, increasing the likelihood of a human or remote trigger and making the consequences of an avalanche much more severe.

The new snow came in wet and heavy with rising temperatures. This often creates an upside-down structure, where denser snow sits on top of lighter snow—an ideal setup for avalanches failing within the new storm snow. As you travel, pay close attention to how the new snow is bonding. Use small test slopes, shovel tilt tests, and slope cuts before committing to anything bigger. Cracking, collapsing, or any slab-like feel in the new snow are clear signs to dial it back.