Winds have been blowing from the NW and transporting the new snow. The strongest winds occurred Thursday evening when they were blowing 30-50 mph. Winds at ridgetops continued to transport some snow yesterday. Many wind slabs and drifts should be well bonded today.

Regardless of this bonding, some wind slabs could be triggered. The higher you go in elevation, the more likely it will be that you can find one. The best option is to avoid wind slabs which is doable because you can identify them by their smooth and rounded appearance. Wind slabs can also be identified by their location which is typically under cornices or along cross-loaded gullies. Another higher risk option is to ski cut them before entering a slope.

Heads up - While not an avalanche issue, watch for isolated places where recent winds stripped the new snow off the underlying ice crust.

Th strong April sun will quickly warm slopes receiving direct sunshine. With a cold start to the day and some clouds expected in the sky, it's hard to know how quickly and how wet the new snow will become by this afternoon.

The good news is that this avalanche problem is predictable. When the snow becomes wet, you'll know it because the riding conditions will deteriorate. Additionally, you'll likely see pinwheels and rollerballs of snow tumbling downhill. As this happens the danger of loose wet snow avalanches will increase. The hard ice crust underneath will make it easier for these slides to run far if it becomes wet down to this ice layer.

A good strategy this time of year is to slowly change aspects through the day. If starting this morning, begin on slopes receiving direct sun. As the snow on these slopes warms move to shaded or northerly facing slopes which should harbor colder and drier snow.