Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Very Likely
- Größe
- 1.5–2.5
Historically dry conditions in December formed a widespread weak layer across all elevations and most aspects that is now buried 1-2.5 feet below the snow surface. This zone has received 35” of snow since Jan 4th. This accumulated snow with increasing strong W wind last night/today will create ideal conditions for natural and very sensitive human triggered avalanches. These avalanches can be triggered remotely from gentle terrain above, below, or to the side of steep slopes. The unpredictable nature of these avalanches can catch you off guard, as these avalanches could even fail on treed slopes or occur naturally on steep terrain above you. Simply put, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. If you are venturing out, make sure you are familiar with the area to identify runout zones of avalanche large paths and stay in simple, flat terrain.
Deeper weak layers formed in November are buried around 3 feet above hard slabs. The potential for avalanches triggered on the weak layer mentioned above could step down to these deeper layers causing an even larger, destructive avalanche.
(1/11/2024)
Large natural avalanche yesterday near Smiths Fork that propagated significantly across the slope.