Wind slabs: It will be another day of dodging the wind drifts at the upper and mid elevations. With the wind direction over the last 24 hours varying by drainage, drifts can be found on almost every aspect. North and northwesterly facing slopes were especially loaded by yesterday’s southeasterly winds. The abundant low density snow is forming both the weak layer and the soft slab. The best way to avoid these wind slabs is to look for them. Wind drifts are often rounded, smooth, and feel denser or “cakier” than the surrounding snow. Cracking in the snow is a sure sign of a wind drift. Also look for signs of new drifting - winds are forecast to shift to the northwest and increase late this afternoon and overnight. Watch for plumes off ridge lines and peaks above you and blowing snow where you are.

Sluffs - can be triggered on steep slopes of all aspects, running far distances in continuously steep terrain. They are large enough to catch and carry a person on foot.

The large cornices have become a permanent part of the landscape, and were joined by a few new smaller ones from yesterday’s easterly winds. The large, older ones will break back much further than expected - avoid travel below and on these.

Cracking - a sure sign of a wind slab. Photo by Malone, Morgan, Catino or Mccurdy