Widespread fresh dense wind slabs found at mid and upper elevations. Winds are gusting into the Strong category and as the wind channels, it creates cross-loading so you have to be suspicious of wind drifts on almost every aspect, but paying particular attention to lee-ward E aspects from the NW/W winds. Did jump on alot of test slopes with fresh wind drifts, but the wind slabs were not that sensitive to ski cuts and other quick stability tests. Am calling an increasing hazard with an increase in forecasted winds.

As Evelyn noted in Friday Jan 10 forecast, probably the first time I've seen deep slab identified in the forecast this season (probably the first time any UAC forecaster has even used the term "deep" this season!) With decent amounts of storm snow, the buried faceted layers can probably now be considered a deep slab issue. From numerous quick tests I performed over the past 2 days, I've been finding the weakest layers to be within the storm snow. On Thursday mid-day I was finding a density inversion that is now buried at least 30 cms (12") down to be the weakest layer. I was still identifying that layer today, but also finding other weaknesses within the storm snow as well. On several hasty pits I was unable to isolate a column (CTV) with failure occurring within storm snow. (Given both the stormy weather as well as weak snowpack, I especially find performing multiple quick tests to be far more useful than any one detailed pit.) So for the most part I am finding weaknesses within the storm snow to be the most visible, yet it is easy to imagine any avalanche breaking down into weak faceted snow on northerly aspects. With wind and another storm on the horizon for Saturday night, am calling an increasing danger.