The Nov 17th persistent weak layer (surface hoar/facets/crust) is well within the range of human triggering. Assess the snowpack carefully before stepping out into large open slopes, especially around treeline.
Dry, loose avalanches may pose a problem in steep, confined terrain if more snow (>10cm) falls than forecasted.
The Nov 17 surface hoar is down 50-80cm and most prevalent around tree line. The surface hoar continues to give 'sudden' results in snowpack tests.
10cm of dry, low-density snow is forecasted to land on top of a faceted surface. Expect fast sluffing in steep, confined terrain, potentially digging deeper into the facets and accumulating enough mass to bury a person.
On Sunday several sz 1-1.5 solar-induced loose dry avalanches occurred within the surface facet layer out of steep, rocky terrain. On Saturday Lone Pine produced a size 2 glide crack release which ran into the fan.
Whumpfing and remote-triggering continues on small, unsupported pillows below tree line on the Nov 17 persistent slab, both in GNP and adjacent to the region.
Light fluff is falling onto a sugary, faceted surface. The Nov 17 persistent slab (surface hoar 5-30mm, facets, and crust) is down 50-80cm with the largest surface hoar present on sheltered slopes at treeline and below.
Snowpack depth is still variable (~120cm at treeline); early season hazards remain a concern.
Cloud is spreading across the region, bringing 5-10cm of low-density snow and moderate West winds at ridgetop. Temps remain cool, with an Alp high of -13*C.
Continuing flurries, cool temps, and moderate SW winds prevail Wed/Thurs.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
