New snow instability is tricky because it tends to stabilize very quickly after the storm calms down. I would expect the new storm snow to stabilize rapidly this morning. However, one should be on guard before committing to any steep terrain. Slope cuts and terrain management skills are a must for today.

Overnight the northwest winds averaged 15-20 mph gusting into the 30's across the upper elevations. This has created fresh wind drifts along the upper elevations that are now buried by the last few inches of fluff that fell this morning. Look for and avoid rounded pillows of wind drifted snow. Cracking is a red flag and shouldn't be ignored. The natural avalanche reported from the Brighton backcountry is a good example of the size of avalanche you could trigger in the wind drifted terrain. This is the problem I would be most concerned with today and the one I would avoid - seek out wind sheltered terrain or areas with generally less than a foot of new snow and enjoy the powder snow where there is a much lower risk.

This will be the wild card today!!! it's March and the sun is strong. If we see any clearing this morning or afternoon you can expect the steep sunlit slopes to immediately become damp and start producing natural wet loose avalanches. The loose wet snow could pack a punch as much of the southerly facing terrain has slick crusts for it to run on. Keep an eye to the sky and watch the snow surface. If you're seeing roller balls or small point release avalanches on any aspect - it's time to leave or ride in terrain that's under 30° degrees with nothing steep above or adjacent to you.

Think about your exits today - if your exit is a steep gully or drainage you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to safely pass through if the sun comes out.