Was curious how the winds were affecting the snow surface today and for the most part, despite recent wind loading, was not finding the fresh drifts especially sensitive. They are easily identifiable, and where the drifts are relatively soft (4F/1F) they are manageable with ski cuts. However, where they are stiffer (pencil-hard), they are not easily managed.

Overall am thinking persistent and deep slab issues are working in our favor as the snowpack continues to gain strength. My thinking is - at least in the cottonwoods where there is a deeper snowpack - triggering a deep slab avalanche is becoming increasingly unlikely. But the intersection of probability and consequences is not in our favor. Did ski some steeper E-facing terrain today, but made sure (a) slope was not wind loaded, and (b) was supported (with concavity).

Photo below shows Wilson Headwall with cornice development. Slide on Wilson shoulder (reported by Mark White) visible in foreground.

Am really struggling with identifying avalanche hazard on mid and upper elevation North through East aspects. It may be getting quite close to Moderate hazard, but the consequences are serious. Will continue to label it Considerable for now with recent wind loading in mind. Fortunately ski and travel conditions right now are downright superb and slopes angled in the high 20s and low 30s are skiing great with fast, dense, boot-top fresh snow.

For those with free time, Canadian avalanche forecaster Karl Klassen has a nice blog describing conditions in BC that are not all that unlike what we have here in the Wasatch - http://bit.ly/1h166bD