Wet avalanches are likely again today at low elevations as rain continues to dampen the existing weak and already saturated snow. Cooler temperatures and perhaps a good freeze tonight will help to solidify and stabilize the loose wet snow, but significant loose wet avalanches involving saturated soft snow remain likely on steep slopes below the rain/snow line... Dangerous triggered wet slab avalanches are possible in some low elevation areas with saturated snow and poor snow structure.

A thick rime or rain crust formed up at upper elevations in many areas and appears be welding most of the existing wind slabs in place, but new drifts will quickly form as heavy snow accumulates during very strong west winds. Expect to find drifts forming well off ridge lines and perhaps in unexpected places.

• Very strong west wind today during periods of heavy snowfall will quickly create fresh drifts, some well off ridges and in normally sheltered terrain.
• Watch for and avoid drifts on the lee sides of ridges, cross-loaded along sub-ridges, and they formed in and around terrain features like rock outcroppings, gullies, scoops, trees, and saddles.
• Beware the growing and overhanging ridge-top cornices, which could break further back than you expect and could trigger wind slab avalanches on drifted slopes below.
• ***Persistent and/or deep slab avalanches are still possible on drifted slopes in outlying areas with shallow weak snow.