Avalanche activity on Thursday was focused on slopes that had sensitive soft slabs of wind-drifted snow from recent northwest and southwest winds. Avalanche activity occurred at elevations between 6,500' and 10,000', and although most avalanches occurred on leeward slopes facing east and north, slides were also reported on slopes facing south and west. UDOT avalanche forecasters reported widespread wind-transported snow during the day Thursday, and a period of stronger winds Thursday evening have likely created additional fresh wind drifts. Watch for cracking as evidence of wind-drifting, as show in the photo below from Argenta yesterday.

You can still expect to find sensitive soft slabs of wind-drifted snow on all aspects at the mid and upper elevations as well as exposed low-elevation terrain.

Although I'm expecting recent storm snow instabilities to have mostly settled out, there may still be isolated areas where you can find a soft slab of storm snow that is reactive to a rider. Shallow, long-running sluffs in the low-density snowfall from overnight are also likely.

IF strong sunshine appears this afternoon, shallow, wet-loose avalanches are likely on steep southerly-facing aspects.