Wind slabs formed late last week continue to strengthen under bluebird-like weather. Generally, stable conditions are found throughout the backcountry. Instabilities may exist in steep terrain where slabs may be thickest. The most enjoyable and safest conditions are found in wind sheltered terrain.

Mild weather is strengthening recently formed slabs but yesterday's skier triggered slides confirm that areas of unstable snow exist. Today’s clear conditions will allow for great visibility of wind drifted snow. Look for areas where slabs are thickest and most dangerous: below leeward ridgelines/saddles and in cross-loaded gullies. Seek out softer and safer snow in terrain sheltered from the wind.

Mild weather is strengthening recently formed slabs but yesterday's skier triggered slides confirm that areas of unstable snow exist. Today’s clear conditions will allow for great visibility of wind drifted snow. Look for areas where slabs are thickest and most dangerous: below leeward ridgelines/saddles and in cross-loaded gullies. Seek out softer and safer snow in terrain sheltered from the wind.

Stability is improving under mild weather.  Stay alert for slabs of drifted snow that formed on Thursday.  These are most common below corniced ridgelines and in gullies where the snow surface shows evidence of wind effect.  Wind protected terrain is offering safe, stable riding.    

Stick to wind-sheltered slopes with no fresh drifts today; dangerous conditions exist on steep slopes with freshly-formed slabs of wind-blown snow. These slabs can be surprisingly reactive and fast-moving. They can produce enough debris to bury or injure a person, particularly above terrain traps. Cracks shooting away from your snowmobile, snowboard or skis are warning signs of this danger. Slopes where the surface snow has not been disturbed by the wind offer great riding with fewer booby traps today.

Stick to wind-sheltered slopes with no fresh drifts today; freshly-formed slabs of wind-blown snow are proving surprisingly reactive. They can be dangerous where they're thicker than about 6 inches, or above terrain traps. These slabs are larger and more widespread at upper elevations. Cracks shooting away from your snowmobile, snowboard or skis are warning signs of this danger. Slopes where the surface snow has not been disturbed by the wind offer great riding with fewer booby traps today.

Good riding and safe riding are aligned today. Find well-supported slopes sheltered from the wind, and you'll get both. Small, freshly-formed slabs of drifted snow will pose a danger on steep, easterly slopes that collect blowing snow. Avoid these, along with lens- and whale-shaped drifts that are leftovers from recent bouts of easterly winds. 

Instabilities are rare - but not impossible - to find.  You are most likely to encounter the exception to an otherwise stable snowpack just below alpine ridgelines, where fresh or older drifts could still bite, especially in extreme terrain.   Back off of steep objectives if you see cracks shooting from beneath your skis or machine.  

Last weekend's northeast wind event left wind slabs scattered across higher elevation terrain, and human-triggered wind slabs have occurred every day this week.  Be cautious of pillow or lens-shaped drifts of stiffer snow, especially above consequential terrain. 

Another beautiful day to get in the mountains! Wind slabs that formed over the weekend are getting harder to trigger, but could still take you for an unpleasant ride in high consequence terrain.  Take advantage of the good visibility to identify and steer around lenses of wind-thickened snow. 

Slabs of wind drifted snow from the recent Arctic blast remains our primary avalanche concern. Look and feel for textured dense snow on atypical aspects with cracking a sign of instability. The safest and best riding conditions will be found in areas sheltered from the wind. 

Slabs of wind drifted snow from the recent Arctic blast remains our primary avalanche concern. Look and feel for textured dense snow on atypical aspects with cracking a sign of instability. The safest and best riding conditions will be found in areas sheltered from the wind. 

The Arctic winds are decreasing but fresh slabs should be expected on unusual slopes at all elevations with areas of a firm or textured snow surface a sign of wind effect. The safest and best riding conditions will be found in areas sheltered from the wind. Cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills will complicate rescue and we recommend keeping it simple today.

NE winds have formed wind slabs on unusual slopes. Unusual loading means more uncertainty and more potential for unexpected avalanches. Human-triggered wind slab avalanches are possible today. If you want to decrease your exposure to avalanche hazard and poor snow conditions, sniff out soft snow in wind protected areas and you should find the safest and best riding conditions.