Strong winds and heavy snowfall since Thursday have rapidly overloaded the weak faceted snow that is found on mid and upper elevation aspects facing west through north and east. This layer of faceted snow is 6-12" thick and found down at the ground. Snowfall and wind from the past eight days has now buried this weak layer under 4-6' of snow. There may be fewer signs of instability that disguise this dangerous weakness - fewer collapses and cracking. But if you do trigger an avalanche where this persistent weak layer (PWL) is present - perhaps from a thinner spot on the slope or on a steeper convex rollover - the avalanche will break down 4-6' deep (possibly deeper) and up to hundreds of feet wide. Unsurvivable.

In the past eight days, the central Wasatch has received 4-7" of water weight. On slopes where the PWL is present, this load has put a significant strain on this weak layer. We are moving in the right direction and ultimately the load of snow this past week should help settle the PWL problem, but for now your continued patience is required.

Storm totals of 1-2' over the past 24 hours will create sensitive soft slabs of new snow on all aspects. Periods of heavier precipitation are possible today - especially during the morning hours. Expect the new snow to be sensitive during any period of higher precipitation intensity and watch for rapidly changing conditions.

Although winds have diminished somewhat since Thursday (which Drew accurately described as "Unceasing powerful southwesterly winds"), winds are still strong enough to move snow. With lower-density snowfall forecast for today, it will be possible for fresh wind drifts to form on all aspects at the mid and upper elevations.

Also - cornices have grown quite large over the past few days and they may overhang well over ridgelines. Give yourself a wide berth and do not travel close to ridgelines where cornices may be present. Any cornice fall - natural or intentional - may trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.