With winds increasing out of the north and snow in the forecast, wind slab hazard on specific terrain features is expected to increase in sensitivity to triggers. Human triggered avalanches remain possible. While the danger is mostly moderate for this problem, pockets of considerable do exist and will increase in likelihood of triggering, especially over any deep persistent weak layers. An increase in wind speed/direction could indicate elevated hazard and make human triggering more likely. Identify suspect leeward slopes and look for visible signs of wind loading.  Strong over weak layering at the surface and a punchy feel tells you you’re on a slab. Be vigilant to any changing conditions, avoid run out zones, only expose one person at a time to the slope and stay away from run-out zones and terrain traps. Wind slabs range from predictable to unpredictable due to slab stiffness and spatial variability.

Persistent weak layer concerns since early December are now buried under the weight of the new snow, and are deep enough that the likelihood of triggering one of these deep slab avalanches is unlikely. Remember that shallow, or thin areas in the snowpack could be ripe for access to these deep instabilities, especially above treeline where the snowpack is generally thinner than mid-elevations. Travel where the snowpack is fat and make assessments where it is not. This will help save some time digging. Think about how upper layers over the terrain could communicate to layers further down in the snowpack. Minimize exposure, use terrain wisely, avoid excess time in run-out zones, practice safe travel technique and remember how your decisions effect yourself and others.