Moderate to occasionally heavy snowfall may lead to periods of sensitive storm snow today. This includes long-running sluffs, especially on north aspects at the upper elevations, as well as sensitive storm slabs during any period of higher intensity snowfall (such as shown in the photo below). Watch for signs of instability such as cracking and sluffing.

The sensitivity of the storm snow largely depends on the rate of snowfall - if it snows at a moderate rate (less than 1"/hr) the new snow will be less sensitive. Higher rates of snowfall (greater than 1" per hour) will lead to increased sensitivity. Periods of snowfall exceeding 1" per hour are possible during the day today.

Ski cuts (where you move diagonally across a slope in a downward direction) are a very effective mitigation technique for managing this sort of hazard, but be sure to check no one is below you before cutting a slope.

Northwest winds will create fresh wind drifts at the mid and upper elevations, primarily on aspects facing east through south, but cross-loading is possible on any aspect. Some drifts could be up to 12-18” thick, especially along upper elevation ridgelines. With plenty of low-density snowfall available for transport, any fresh wind drifts may form quickly. Additionally, these fresh wind drifts will increase the size of our already huge cornices adorning many ridgelines, making them possibly even more sensitive. Stay well back from - and avoid travel below - corniced ridges.