Very dangerous avalanche conditions will exist in the Blue mountains today on all aspects and elevations. Avoid all avalanche terrain and stay out from and away from any slope >30 degrees. Managing wind slabs and storm slabs will be very challenging, so a safer bet is to stick to low-angle meadows and wait for the dust to settle. Avalanches could run larger than you expect, and be unsurvivable.
Winds are forecasted to pick up today, with gusts into the 40's. The predominant wind direction will be from the West, shifting to the NW by mid-day. Wind slabs will grow 2-4' deep in places and will be very sensitive near and above tree line.
Storm slabs will occur naturally today, with all the new snow sitting on a very stout crust from the 2/22 rain event. You don't need to make any assessment on this layer, just avoid it. Stick to low angle terrain for the next 24-48 hours.
We already have two Red Flags in the weather forecast for today: Wind and Significant snowfall. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand that the snowpack doesn't like a dramatic change. All of the new snow is sitting on a prime Bed surface (2/22 rain crust) and is just waiting to get enough of a load and then it will release naturally. Keep your margins high today, use a "stepping back" mindset and if you are in question at all about your trip plan or ability to make an assessment or dig your partner out then stay home and bake cookies. We have had too many avalanche fatalities already this month (in North America) come home to your friends and family, with good stories not near misses.
