Avalanches will likely fail 1 to 3 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. 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...

I expect that most of the large drifts from the very windy Wednesday will be stubborn or fairly stable by today, but triggered wind slab avalanches are still possible on drifted upper and mid elevation slopes.. Also, significant loading from the drifting will create a higher danger of persistent slab avalanches in areas with buried weak layers. Watch for and avoid stiffer 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. Stiff wind slabs might allow you to get well out on them before releasing.

Loose wet avalanches are possible at lower elevations, especially if the sun comes out for a while and midday temperatures climb above freezing.... Avoid and stay out from under slopes with saturated fresh snow. Roller balls, pin-wheels, and point-release sluffs are all signs that wet avalanche activity is possible.