Backcountry travels should expect changing snowpack conditions with the arrival of our next storm. Winds are forecasted to remain strong for the duration of the storm, especially in higher elevation terrain, so expect wind slabs to increase in depth over time. Southwest flow at the start of the storm will transition to a northwest flow during the storm and expand the distribution of wind-loaded slopes above treeline. Avoid deep pockets of wind-loaded snow and use quick pits on small test slopes to assess the sensitivity of newly formed wind slabs. If snowfall amounts approach a foot, be cautious crossing low angle slopes connected to steeper, wind loaded slopes above because we may see natural avalanches in steeper terrain. If we experience significant accumulations over a short time span, monitor the bonding of new storm slabs to the old snow surface as you travel up in elevation or on different aspects. You can look for cracking or jump onto small test slopes to assess this problem. With warm temps and sunny skies preempting the storm on Wednesday, expect sunny aspects to have developed a crust that could inhibit good bonding with the new storm snow.

Even though our stability tests have not been producing propagating results on the basal crust/ facet combo near the ground (such as this observation), the uncertainty and potentially large size associated with this layer warrants your attention if you are traveling on high elevation, northerly aspects.  Probe or dig to see if it exists on a slope, and when in doubt, stick to sunny aspects, lower elevation terrain, and lower angled slopes. Evaluate the consequences of taking a ride before committing to steeper terrain because a surprise human triggered event could give way to a long-distance ride and potential injuries from the numerous natural obstacles located below the snow surface.  When heading into the backcountry, always be prepared for the unexpected by carrying beacon, probe, shovel, first aid kit, and extra layers.