Winds finally relaxed early Sunday morning and that's good news. However, last weeks big storm brought with it several days of nuking winds, coupled with dense, heavy storm snow. The problem is, this combo rests on lighter density snow that fell earlier last week. This of course creates upside-down layering... stronger snow on weaker snow. And while I think recent wind drifts are becoming glued in place and less reactive over time, we also need to remember that as the snow gains strength it will allow us to get onto steeper, more avalanche prone terrain. So let's exercise a little patience, let the snow heal for another minute or two and apply the best rule of thumb to avoid a close call and simply avoid steep wind drifted slopes, especially if they look fat and rounded or feel hollow and sound like a drum. Done and done.