A persistent weak layer sits at the ideal depth for large human triggered avalanches.
The safest way to manage this problem is through conservative terrain choices.
A buried persistent weak layer sits at the ideal depth for human triggered large avalanches at tree line and in the alpine and remains reactive. Below 2100m this layer is bridged by a supportive rain crust (felt by pole probing) in the upper snowpack.
The low density surface snow is easily initiated in steep terrain running fast and gathering surprising mass, especially where it runs over the crust. Even small sluffs can quickly grow enough to push you into dangerous terrain.
Sporadic human triggered avalanches continue to occur. On Tuesday a group triggered a size 2.5 which showed wide propagation across terrain features on Ursus Minor. Several days prior a size 2 was remotely triggered by a group 20m away near Balu Pass.
30cm of low density recent snow sits over a rain crust up to 2100m and settled snow above this elevation.
A weak layer (Dec 1 surface hoar) buried 70-100cm deep continues to produce 'sudden' results in snowpack tests and human triggered avalanches.
The base of the snowpack is facetted at upper elevations.
The ridge of high pressure maintains dry weather on Wednesday before light snowfall arrives on Thursday with light to moderate winds.
Wednesday: Sun and cloud, moderate S winds, high of -2 °C, freezing level 1500m.
Thursday: Snow 10cm with light SW winds, low -8°C high of -5 °C, freezing level 1400m.
Friday: Sun and cloud, low -7°C high of -3 °C, light S winds, freezing level 1200m.
