Precipitation, wind and temperature are each elements that can alter the stability of the snowpack by changing the balance between stress and strength.

1) Precipitation:
The type of precipitation and at what rate it falls are equally as important as the amount. In general, the more rapidly the precipitation falls the less time the snowpack has to adjust to the additional stress and the more likely it is to avalanche.

2) Wind:
You do not need precipitation to increase the avalanche hazard. It can be a blue sky day, but if the wind is blowing snow around the hazard is probably increasing. Wind can redistribute large amounts of snow by scouring windward slopes and rapidly loading leeward or downwind slopes. Take note of wind speed and direction to help you anticipate which slopes may be loaded and avalanche prone.

3) Temperature:
Generally a warmer snowpack will settle more rapidly, and become denser and stronger than a cold snowpack. However, if the warming is too rapid, the snowpack will become very wet and unstable. Stay tuned to temperatures during your tour. In a cold snowpack, unstable conditions often persist longer because the settlement and strengthening process is slowed. Thus a shaded slope and a sunny slope in the same area can have different conditions.