Common characteristics (1) The snowpack is generally weak, rotten, and full of facets. (2) Strong winds have blown from nearly every direction, forming hit-or-miss wind slabs on top of this weak, sugary mess.

What does all of this mean? Below treeline, the snowpack is basically one big persistent weak layer lacking a slab on top to create an avalanche. Near treeline snow depths increase some, and there is more of a slab on top of the weak snow, but they aren't nearly as sensitive as they were last week.

Today you'll want to look for signs of unstable snow like cracks shooting out in front of you, sudden collapses of the snowpack, or loud whoomphing sounds.

Unusual conditions make unusual avalanches- Monday nights atypical east-northeast winds found what little snow there is available for transport, forming stiff wind slabs on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges. Remember that strong winds create slabs in odd locations, so I'd also be on the lookout for fat, rounded pieces of snow lower downslope than we expect and around terrain features like chutes and gullies. In either case, you'll want to avoid today's fresh drifts which will look like small humpbacks lurking in our mountains and may sound hollow like a drum.

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There are two types of wind loading patterns to look for - top loading and cross loading as shown in the two images below.