Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 3
There is a persistent weak layer (PWL) of old faceted snow near the ground. This PWL exists on mid and upper elevation slopes facing northwest through north and east. It does not exist on south-facing slopes as any early season snow melted away and December snowfall landed on bare ground. The last avalanche into this old layering in the backcountry probably occurred on January 5th or 6th.
One party experienced a collapse in one of the Powder Parks of Mill D North of BCC on Wednesday. It's the first report of a collapse or shooting crack in quite some time. Snowpit tests continue to produce inconsistent results but we do know that weak snow exists near the ground and we do know that many experienced people continue to avoid steep terrain. For now.