Strong winds have been forming dense cohesive slabs on upper elevation leeward slopes, especially those facing the north half of the compass. Problem is... the snow will feel solid under our skis, board, or sled allowing us to get well out onto the slope before it fails. Unfortunately, today's avalanches can break while we're mid slope and they'll be packing a punch. It doesn't mean you can't ride today. It does mean that you should think about toning slope angles and objectives down a notch and think about the consequences of triggering a slide.

Fresh wind slabs are the most obvious avalanche problem today and they're the most manageable, but don't get tricked into thinking this is the only avalanche dragon out there. An easily triggered soft slab can quickly get out of hand, especially if it breaks into weaker layers of the snowpack as it crashes down on the slope below.

Cornices have grown large and will break further back than you might expect. Best not to even tangle with these unpredictable monsters.