With an underlying very stable snowpack, don’t be lulled into complacency with the new surface wind slabs that started developing Friday night and through Saturday. Although the amount of snow available for transport will start drying up, there will still be plenty of opportunity for wind slabs to develop in the steeper leeward alpine terrain as S-SW winds are forecasted to continue to blow. There also may still be a bit of slope warming and potential for loose wet snow to become unstable on sunny aspects, but the increasing clouds should moderate this issue. The avalanche incidents that occurred Saturday are clear warning that even when skiing in-bounds wearing a beacon is a good idea and paying attention to your surroundings is imperative in regards to people skiing above or below you. It’s also a good reminder that the winter season is young and as most of us are super anxious to start getting some turns, don’t let the skier fever cloud your judgment and wise terrain choice selection. Early season obstacles exist! Plenty of rocks, logs, and tree stumps are lurking just under the surface, which has led to injury and broken equipment already. Take your time, be careful, and don’t end your season before it barely begins!