Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 3
We're just not used to this kind of persistent weak layer problem by late February. There are four distinct persistent weak layers - including solar (southerly-facing) slopes:
- November/December facets near the ground, especially in thin snowpack areas and rocky, shallow terrain.
- Repeater slopes—slopes that have previously avalanched.
- Late January facets that are found on many aspects.
- Facet/crust combos on solar slopes, including low- and mid-elevation southeast-facing terrain.
If you choose to approach avalanche terrain you are going to have to continually evaluate the snowpack by pulling out your shovel and looking for weak layers in the snowpack. A widespread spatial variability complicates things, meaning the lack of a weak layer on one slope doesn't imply the lack of a weak layer on an adjacent slope. If you aren't confident in doing this necessary work of evaluating the snowpack, there is a easy solution: avoid avalanche terrain and enjoy the excellent riding conditions on low-angled slopes.
