Watch for isolated wind drifts on all aspects in the upper elevations. Although light winds are forecast, there is an abundance of cold, dry powder that can easily be drifted into sensitive soft slabs of wind-drifted snow. Winds will also be from an easterly direction and this is unusual for us; I always raise my guard a notch when the winds are from the east as this can create some unexpected loading patterns.

I think the current greatest wind-related hazard is the large cornices that adorn many upper-elevation ridgelines, such as shown in the photo below on Sunset Peak (photo: Funk) in the Salt Lake mountains. Avoid traveling underneath these cornices as they may brake off naturally or from a human traveling above. Also avoid traveling close to corniced ridgelines as they may break back further than expected.

Forecaster Comments: This is a great time to get after the bigger objectives you've been waiting for: generally stable avalanche conditions, great coverage, and brilliant riding. If you do choose to pursue these bigger objectives, evaluate the slopes for recent wind drifts and watch for large cornices that guard the entrances to many slopes. Before kicking a cornice, performing a ski cut, or dropping onto a steeper slope, watch for others below you.