Devils Creek- Behind Schweitzer

Over the past several weeks, the snowpack has undergone significant settlement and strengthening, resulting in improved overall cohesion and stability. Multiple early-season crusts are present in the lower snowpack; however, these layers are gradually decomposing and currently show no signs of contributing to avalanche instability. A dense, well-bonded slab from late-December snowfall persists in the mid-pack.

Current concerns are focused on the near-surface snow. A crust that has capped the snowpack for the past two-plus weeks is losing strength and supportability. Observations from yesterday indicate faceting beneath this crust, with the underlying snow becoming weak and sugary in nature. The evolution of this near-surface crust–facet combination will be a critical factor influencing snowpack reactivity with the arrival of the next storm system.