Avalanches will likely fail 1 to 2 feet deep on very weak faceted snow created during the drawn-out January high pressure systems. Areas plagued by the shallowly buried January 8 rime-crust , which is intact and fairly widespread in the region, and weak faceted snow associated with it are most suspect. The preexisting snow on shady mid elevation slopes is especially weak, and avalanches could occur in unexpected areas on slopes approaching or steeper than 35 degrees. Natural avalanches are possible today, especially during periods of heavy snowfall. In these conditions, you could trigger avalanches remotely, from a distance or worse, from below. Recent avalanches, audible collapsing, and cracking are red flags indicating instability...

Triggered wind slab avalanches are likely on drifted upper and mid elevation slopes, and naturals are possible.. Watch for and avoid stiffer fresh wind slabs on the lee side of major ridges and in and around terrain features like cliff bands, sub-ridges, gullies, and scoops. Potential wind slabs are drifts that often appear smooth or rounded and chalky looking, and they sometimes sound rather hollow.

Storm snow avalanches consisting of very soft slabs and loose snow are likely to continue to be an issue in areas that picked up significant accumulations of light snow yesterday, and in areas that receive more today. Natural avalanches are possible. Avoid steep slopes with trees or other terrain traps below, and stay out from under obvious or historic avalanche paths....