Last week's storm/wind slabs have most likely gained considerable strength with the break in the weather over the past few days. In some parts of the region an early November rain crust sits near the bottom of the snowpack. Where it exists, this crust has been seen from 1700 m to ridgetop on all aspects. Some tests have resulted in CTM-H ranges with sudden planar characteristics. I have also received reports of a
SH layer buried up to 100 cm down. Tests on this layer are in the hard range with sudden planar characteristic. At this time the surface hoar may be specific to certain parts of the region. As you're traveling through the mountains, be on the look-out for current surface hoar development and think about how it will affect the snowpack as new snow arrives over the next few days.