Southeast Mountains

A couple inches of new snow does little to change the generally safe avalanche conditions.  You could trigger a very small avalanche in wind drifted snow at upper elevations on leeward terrain features.  Fresh wind slabs are expected to be isolated and small enough for the danger rating to remain LOW.  Unseasonably cool temperatures keep most crusts frozen and decreases the chance of wet avalanche problems.

Westerly winds are blowing fast enough to form a fresh round of Wind Slabs, but snowfall totals appear to be just a few inches.  With such little fuel (fresh snow) for Wind Slab development, the avalanche danger rating remains at LOW. 

Uncertainty with today's avalanche forecast revolves around storm totals.  In areas that received just a couple inches of snow, Wind Slabs should be small enough to pose little hazard.  However, if you find that there is 6 inches or more of new snow, then expect an increase in the size and distribution of newly formed drifts.  Wind Slabs are most likely to be found below ridge tops, underneath cornices, and tucked behind leeward terrain breaks.  Pay attention to storm totals as you travel, particularly as your climb in elevation.  The Northwest Mountains forecast area may have received more snow than Weather Stations suggest.  It is common for springtime storms to show significantly less snow at low-elevation Weather Stations compared to the highest elevations.  Use caution if you ride in extreme terrain or above consequential features; getting knocked down by a small avalanche and falling through cliffs or rocks can have serious consequences.

A more potent storm arrives on Friday afternoon and may deliver a refresh to surface conditions at all elevations.  This storm may deposit enough new snow to warrant an increase in the danger rating for the weekend.