We are updating our fall travel advisory because the most recent system produced more wind and less snow than forecasted.  The new snow is low density, and is easily drifting by these frigid northeasterly winds that have been blowing 20-30 mph at exposed locations.  WInds will start shifting towards the northwest tonight, expanding the distribution of suspect slopes for the weekend.  A lot of leeward slopes were bare prior to the storm, so wind slabs should mostly be confined to smaller pockets. You may be be able to trigger a large (D2) slab above treeline.  Regardless of size, you don't want to get tangled in any kind of moving snow this time of year because you'll get dragged through a nasty combination of rocks, deadfall, and the occasional unruly grizzly bear who hasn't dug in for winter yet.  In wind sheltered terrain, you aren't off the hook.  Storm slab instabilities are a growing concern anywhere that the new snow is forming a cohesive slab over old snow layers.  Zachtern highlighted this structure yesterday on a north aspect of Big Mountain.    We have limited field data on the exact distribution of these underlying crusts right now, but they are generally found on shadier aspects and a few gullies or isolated features around the compass above 6,000 ft.   Even on the low angle slopes, it is far from green-light riding conditions with our very thin snowpack and countless buried obstacles.   Tread lightly if you are headed out for turns and be prepared for the worst, including shovel, probe, beacon, first aid kit, and plenty of warm layers. 

The 7th annual Northern Rockies Snow and Avalanche Workshop is this Saturday. Registration closes today at 2 p.m., but you can still sign up at the venue, space permitting. We have a great lineup of speakers and a killer raffle, so don't miss it!  

The FAC will monitor conditions through the fall and post updates as the snowpack evolves.  More detailed daily advisories will begin late November or as conditions warrant.