With a foot of new snow on the ground, and another 4-6" forecasted throughout the day, avalanches involving new snow can be expected today. The new snow may sluff easily on steep slopes, as well as break out more widely as denser slabs, especially during periods of heavier snowfall or warming. This problem will be especially pronounced in areas that are favored by a northwest flow, such as upper Little Cottonwood. But spring snowstorms are beautifully unpredictable, so pay attention to conditions where you are. Watch for signs of instability including avalanching, cracking in the new snow, and warming of the snow surface with possible greenhousing (where clouds trap warming). I am particularly suspicious of a possible density inversion within today's storm snow where you may find a denser slab on top of weaker, lower-density snow. This layer of lower-density snow can act as a weak layer for avalanching. Pay attention to how the snow feels - a hand pit can quickly determine if there is a density inversion where you will feel softer snow with denser snow on top.

West/northwest winds will drift snow primarily on aspects facing north, through east, and southeast, but drifting is possible on other aspects due to cross-loading and channeling of winds through terrain features. I am expecting most drifts will be found above 10,000'.

Today's new snow and wind will add to the cornices that are found along many upper elevation ridgelines. Be sure to avoid traveling along or underneath corniced ridges.