Recent storm snow is settling out with no significant layers in the upper snowpack. Moderate winds from the southwest have built
wind slabs that may be sensitive to rider triggers in specific areas on lee slopes and behind terrain features (spines, gullies, ridgelines). Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November down 140-200 cm and one around 70-140 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Recent snowpack tests done in the Flathead and Crowsnest South on the crusts have shown moderate-hard, and no results, with manly no non planar break fracture characteristics. Its important to dig down and test the reactiveness of these layers in your local riding areas. This layer may be difficult to trigger, however typical trigger points are thin-thick snowpack areas, cross loaded gullies or around rocky outcrops. If triggered a large destructive avalanche may occur. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region.