The underlying snow pack is weak, but the December drought layer (buried roughly 15 inches deep) is the primary layer of concern. This layer of weak, faceted snow formed near the surface during the December dry spell. A slab now exists on top of this persistent weak layer. Near treeline and below, storm snow over the past week has settled into a thick, cohesive slab. Near treeline and above, elevated winds have stiffened the snow and produced slabs of wind drifted snow over top of this weak layer. In our travels on Thursday, we experienced collapsing and whumphing. These red flag signs of instability are the effects of a person's weight collapsing a slab on a weak layer. The video below of an extended column test illustrates the slab's ability to propagate and produce an avalanche:

Winds continue to hammer, blowing and drifting snow on to leeward facing slopes. On steep, northerly aspects, slabs of wind drifted snow exist over top of buried weak, sugary, faceted snow. Deeper, and more dangerous human triggered avalanches are likely in these areas.

Isolated slabs of wind drifted snow may also be found on other aspects. Look for them on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and subridges. They are often recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance, and cracking is a sign of instability. Old hard slabs will support your weight initially and they may sound hollow underneath. Hard slabs may lure you further down slope before breaking well above you. Avoid steep, wind drifted slopes.