Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 2–2.5
You can trigger avalanches that could break at the new old snow interface or, worst case, a few feet deep. Be careful on northwest through north to east-facing slopes where these weak layers were most pronounced before the last storm. Cracking in the new snow is a sign of danger, although the snowpack is getting strong enough that you may not see any signs of instability before you trigger an avalanche. You can find safer conditions on southerly-facing slopes and in wind-sheltered areas.