Early season instabilities are generally confined to the highest elevations, particularly windloaded drifts or gullies, where the snow is deep enough to cover rocks and vegetation.  These are often the most inviting slopes for skiers hoping to preserve their bases. Northerly aspects are most suspect because shaded terrain can sometimes preserve old crusts or snow layers from earlier storms, providing a smooth sliding surface for fresh wind slabs to slide on.  If you are traveling in the mountains this fall, avoid crossing thick drifts or pillows of windblown snow below ridgelines or in gullies until they have had adequate time to stabilize.  Cracking under foot is a telltale sign to reconsider your route so you don't get dragged down a cheese grater of rocks and vegetation.  

New snow can sluff off of rocks and out of gullies in the form of loose snow avalanches, especially as the snow moistens from rain or sunshine.  Rollerballs or small point releases shedding off of very steep slopes are warning signs to assess your terrain choices and overhead hazards.