Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 3
The persistent weak layer (PWL) that formed in mid-November and was subsequently buried is still distinguishable in snowpits at all aspects and elevations. This buried weak layer of facets is suspect and I would not travel into steep terrain without conducting a series of snowpack tests and only exposing one person to a slope at a time.
Most avalanche activity on this layer has been on northerly facing terrain. This layer DOES exist in other places.
DeBruin's observation from the Cutler Ridge show a thinner snowpack with facets underneath wind drifted snow while Greg's snowpit from higher elevation on Cutler Ridge shows a much deeper snowpack. These two observations highlight variability within the same general area.
Photo (DeBruin)