Banner Summit

Expect mostly stable avalanche conditions. Large avalanches are not likely. Look for small, sensitive wind drifts in areas exposed to the wind. Loose snow avalanches are possible in very steep terrain. 

There is no clearly defined primary avalanche problem today and large avalanches are unlikely. That said, here are a couple of possible hazards to keep in mind, particularly if you plan to venture into very steep or "extreme" terrain. 

• Wind Slabs: On Tuesday, observers reported drifting snow along exposed ridgelines near Banner Summit. Today, wind speeds are forecast to increase from the north. This bump in wind may only affect the uppermost elevations of the Banner Summit Zone, but recent light dry snow at the surface will be easily drifted. We expect these slabs to be small, but they may be large enough to knock you off your feet or carry you into unintended terrain. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of recent wind-loading like snowpack cracking, fresh cornice, and stiffer deposits of snow at the surface. 
• Dry Loose: The snowfall from recent storms has been "sluffing" in very steep terrain not affected by the wind. This minor hazard can be amplified on consistently steep, larger slopes or confined terrain like chutes, where sluffs are harder to escape.
• Wet Loose: The sun will return today stripping new snow from very steep, sunny slopes during the heat of the day. This problem will roughly follow the sun through the southern sky, starting in the SE and moving to the S and eventually W by the afternoon. You can test small, steep slopes by pushing on the surface and checking to see if the newer snow peels off the crust and runs downhill.

Despite LOW danger, no mountain environment is without risk. Continue to make deliberate and informed travel decisions. As always, if something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to back off and return another day. Enjoy this last bit of "wintery" weather, it's looking like spring will officially arrive in the mountains next week.