Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 3
The biggest avalanche threat today is an avalanche that breaks into the Persistent Weak Layer of faceted snow that formed in mid November. (click/tap here for updated details on this weak layer) I am unsure of just how sensitive the weak layer will be after this storm's additional load. The good news is that the weak layer has gained some strength recently and the new snow isn't all that big of a new load. The bad news is you can never trust a buried layer of sugary faceted snow until it is proven to be completely stable. I wouldn't screw around with steep slopes today. My strategy is to let the storms this week take their course and then reevaluate the stability of this weak layer after things have settled. My hope is that as these storms add more snow, we don't see any natural avalanches and don't experience cracking or collapsing. If we don't see any of that stuff, I'll feel pretty good that the weak layer has stabilized to the point of being safe. Until then, all bets are off.