While new wind drifts are today's most obvious and straight-forward avalanche problem, don't get complacent thinking this is the only avalanche dragon out there. The last deep slab avalanche on January 27th near Current Creek Peak, resulted in a close call and a full burial... yeah, it's a great reminder of the sleeping avalanche problem we can't forget. (More info found here )
Deeply triggered slides are elusive, but here's the common theme... steep terrain that faces the north half of the compass, at or above tree line, and particularly slopes that previously avalanched during the big Solstice Storm. Terrain with these characteristics had weak sugary snow develop due to their shallow nature, and January storms added roughly 3-5 feet of stronger snow on top. You know the drill- strong snow on weak snow... no es bueno.
Complicating matters is the fact that we can't tell what slopes avalanched back in December because everything has filled back in and they all look the same. My strategy is to assume that all slopes approaching 35 degrees facing the north half of the compass are suspect. The good news is the snowpack is on the mend and I bet it'll gain even more strength the next few days. Practicing a little patience now could have big returns in the near future.