Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
Significant variability exists across this zone. However, weak snow is buried 2-3 feet deep on most shady middle and upper-elevation slopes. Some weak snow also exists on upper-elevation sunny slopes. Deeper areas, like the Salts, have this weak snow buried ~3 feet deep. The Snakes remain shallow, and portions of the Wyoming Range vary vastly between the east and west sides of this range. Generally, weak snow near the ground will be especially pronounced in areas with a thinner snowpack. Avoiding steep, broad slopes (even those that are treed and may appear "safer") on these aspects is one way to manage this problem. As dry conditions persist, folks will be drawn to seek more sheltered slopes, which is exactly where this avalanche problem is most pronounced. We are not experiencing as much snowpack collapsing— an obvious sign of snowpack instability—as last week. Unfortunately, the decrease in easily observed snowpack instabilities does not mean slopes are safe, and careful assessment of the terrain you enter is still required to manage this problem.
Additional Discussion: I don't expect a skiff of new snowfall today to change our current holding pattern. Be aware that any new snowfall will be falling on a dry and weak snow surface, and may move easily. Additional objective hazards include current "low-tide" conditions and exposed rocks, trees, and more, at all elevations.
(12/15/2023)
Natural avalanche 10,500' SE aspect likely occured on 12/10 after loading event when winds increased.
Photo: Alex Drinkard