Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Very Likely
- Größe
- 4
All the new snow we are receiving is exactly what the doctor ordered to help heal the persistent weak layer of snow at the base of our snowpack. However, don't get too comfortable! We don't call it a persistent weak layer for nothing. This sugary faceted snow can persist and produce avalanches long after you would think possible. We are sliding into the phase where the snowpack will be more stubborn and it is getting harder to trigger an avalanche but the avalanches are getting WAY bigger, wider and deeper. Here is what I need to see before I feel comfortable getting into avalanche terrain.
- A large storm with no natural avalanches.
- No more cracking or collapsing of the snowpack.
- No more poor snowpit test results (ie no propagation of the weak layer)
- A distinct increase in "hand hardness" of the weak layer. (we want to see the loose sugary snow become stiffer when you push on it with your hand)
Once I see all of the factors above, I will cautiously start to travel in avalanche terrain. Until then, it is just a roll of the dice.