Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1–2
Weak snow persists one to three feet below the surface. Although very unlikely, slabs involving this snow have a slight chance to be initiated in extreme terrain.
Although the snowpack is mostly stable this morning, light snow is to continue to fall on very weak snow surfaces and crusts. Loose snow sloughing and small, shallow soft slabs could be triggered in steep upper elevation terrain, especially if forecasted snow amounts are exceeded. Monitor snowfall and watch for areas of steep terrain where deeper amounts of new snow may accumulate. Weak snow also lies near the base of the snowpack, although activity involving that layer is not expected at this time. Low elevations lack sufficient coverage for avalanche problems.
Weak snow persists one to three feet below the surface. Although very unlikely, slabs involving this snow have a slight chance to be initiated in extreme terrain.
New snow is falling on a snowpack with poor structure. Weak snow lies near the base of the snopack, however greater concern involves the snow surface that is currently being covered. It is faceted in the majority of terrain and has hard crusts on south facing terrain. Hard wind hammered can also be found in exposed high terrain. It is not likely that the current light snowfall will increase the chance of the old persistent slab problemm rearing its head, but new snow will be sensitive in steep terrain. With expected snowfall today to be light and the size of this new avalanche activity to be very small, the rating remains low. Low danger does not mean no danger exists.