Moving into our second storm system of the week, we are finally hitting the tipping point in which the combination of strong winds and new snow is enough to overload the weak old faceted snow that covered the entire north end of the compass at upper elevations. Natural avalanches are likely and human triggered avalanches are very likely on the northerly upper elevation slopes. Multiple parties triggered an avalanche or collapse in old facets on the top of the October crust yesterday, and ski patrols were reporting scary, unpredictable remote triggered avalanches. These avalanches are a clear indication that the underlying snowpack is weak and dangerous. With another inch or more of water in the forecast, and winds expected to stay strong throughout the next 48 hours avalnache activity will continue.

Yesterday the wind blew hard with gusts up to 70 mph in Little Cottonwood Canyon. These winds will continue for the next 24 hours. Expect both hard and soft slabs of wind drifted snow. 1-2' wind drifts can be found at all aspects, most widespread at upper elevations, but can be found deposited in protected areas in lower and mid-elevation bands. This wind drifted snow will be especially suspect on the North end of the compass where it sits on top of the old, weak, faceted snow. Look for signs of fresh wind drifts and avoid them.

Shooting Crack on a northeast facing slope that was freshly wind loaded - PC: K. Mays

Soft slab avalanches in the new snow are a definite possibility today for several reasons. One is simply the amount of new snow and how quickly it has been falling. Second is that temperatures have warmed (about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday) and the new snow may be upside down which means there is warmer denser snow on top of colder lighter snow.