Triggering avalanches 1-3' deep on steep slopes facing west through north and east at all elevations remains possible. These avalanches are failing on a persistent weak layer (PWL) that formed during the January/February drought.

Many of these avalanches are being triggered at the mid-elevations (8,000' - 9,500') and often in slight openings in otherwise dense trees. The snowpack is unlikely to give you the usual clues of collapsing or cracking and instead will fail on an unsuspecting rider when they are well down onto the slope, perhaps the 3rd, 5th, or 10th rider on the slope. We've had many close calls throughout March on this weak layer and it's not time to let our guard down.

My strategy is to avoid steep slopes steeper than 30° where there is faceted snow buried.

You may continue to find pockets of sensitive wind-drifted snow at the upper elevations. These fresh wind drifts may run long distances on slopes with smooth crusts underneath. Yesterday, many backcountry observers triggered wind slabs that were both soft and hard. These wind slabs were roughly 12" deep and up to 70' wide. As always, look for and avoid slopes that look rounded and pillowy.

Overnight temperatures dropped well below freezing allowing the snow surface to completely freeze this morning. However, today will be just a little warmer and by the afternoon I wouldn't be surprised to see and hear of some wet-loose avalanches happening on the steep sunlit terrain. Today is not the day to be ascending or descending steep south-facing terrain late in the afternoon. If you notice the snow surface becoming damp or unsupportable or see active roller balls cascading down, it's time to get out of there.

It's really hard to forecast wet snow. The temperatures don't skyrocket today and perhaps there is just a little wind to keep the snow surface cool. Or, the surface will heat rapidly and we will see wet avalanches. In any case, you need to be your own forecaster in the spring as weather conditions can change the avalanche danger quickly.