Winds over the past 24 hours have drifted snow on all aspects, especially above 9,500'. This avalanche problem may be more subtle than usual: in field work yesterday, UAC forecasters noted even the slightest hint of wind-drifting created a sensitive soft slab. Watch for cracking as an indication of sensitive conditions.

Soft slabs of storm snow may be sensitive today, failing within one of many different density changes that exist in the 1-2 feet of the recent storm snow, as shown in the photo below from Nat Grainger. The low-density snow from overnight may also create long-running sluffs. Although snowfall is only expected to be showery today, natural avalanches may be possible during any period of heavy snowfall

The 2-4 feet of snow (containing 2-4 inches of water) that has fallen this past week will ultimately help with our lingering persistent weak layer (PWL) problem, but for now, it has added a stress to the snowpack in areas where the PWL remains, notably repeater slopes that have avalanched more than once this season. Unless you have precise knowledge of the snowpack history on a particular slope, you can assume a steep, northerly-facing slope has probably avalanched this season. Another PWL to watch is a layer of faceted snow just underneath the dust layer that was buried on Monday.