Heightened storm snow avalanche issues exist at upper elevations, and human triggered soft slabs 1 to 2 feet deep are possible on slopes steeper than about 30 degrees. This type of new snow instability usually doesn't last long, and a good deal of settlement has already occurred within the new snow. Soft slab avalanches may fail on the old snow surface or on a density change or weak layer within the new snow. Heat related soft slabs and/or loose sluffs entraining significant piles of initially moistened storm snow will become likely when the fresh snow is initially warmed, especially if the sun pops out later today.

Heightened wind slab avalanche conditions exist and human triggered wind slabs are possible today in some drifted upper elevation terrain. We noticed very calm conditions and no drifting in the Central Bear River Range yesterday, but east winds Monday night and moderate south wind last night certainly had lots of snow available for transport.

• Watch for and avoid drifted snow on the lee sides of ridges, cross-loaded along sub-ridges, and in and around terrain features like rock outcroppings, gullies, scoops, trees, and saddles.
• Cracking in the snow surface is a sign of potential wind slab instability.
• Beware large overhanging ridge-top cornices, which could break further back than you expect and might trigger avalanches on drifted slopes below.

Cracking like this is a red flag indicating potential soft slab instability. (3-23-16)