The possibility remains to trigger a large avalanche today, primarily in steep terrain where the wind has drifted the snow into stiff slabs. You are most likely to encounter reactive wind slabs near ridgelines and cross-loaded terrain features. Choose low-angle slopes in wind-affected terrain to reduce your exposure.
Wind slabs will increase in size and sensitivity throughout the day as winds pick up.
Today's forecast is sponsored by Outlaw Motorsports in Enterprise, OR.
The winds will pick back up today and fresh wind slabs will grow once again. If you find signs of wind slabs, such as dune-like formations, hard drum-like snow, and cornices then you are staring at a wind slab. It's possible that a human could trigger a large avalanche today. Winds have primarily been blowing out of the SW-S-SE, which has loaded slopes facing NW-NE.
Dry Loose: Yesterday in the Northern Elkhorns I observed small dry loose "sluffs" both natural and skier triggered on steep slopes >35 degrees. Typically a dry loose avalanche will not bury a backcountry traveler, but it could push them into dangerous terrain, off a cliff, into trees, or a terrain trap.
Wet Loose: Lower elevation slopes that face E-S-W could produce some small wet loose avalanches today if the sun makes an appearance. Roller balls and pinwheels are obvious signs that the surface snow is warming, and becoming wet. Similar to Dry loose avalanches, a wet avalanche might not bury or kill you, but can still cause injury or harm.
Cornices: Erratic wind loading over the past 72 hours has produced some very unusual loading patterns. Cornice growth has increased dramatically. I would recommend extreme caution as these beasts can cut loose unexpectedly. Cornices typically connect to terrain features much further back than you might expect. As we honor the loss of Kip Rand from the cornice he cut loose in 2016, it's a reminder to treat cornices with respect.
Observations: Please send us your observations, as they help significantly.
