Cooler temps have tightened up the snowpack. Surface hoar from mid-December, buried 40-60cms, can be found in isolated sheltered locations on N and E aspects, but is testing in the hard range. No recent natural avalanches observed. LP snow 89cms.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.