Time heals, but persistent weak layers of loose, sugary, faceted snow remain in the snowpack. A layer of facets above a melt freeze crust is currently our most problematic weak layer, with snow from the 1st of December forming a cohesive slab on top. Faceted snow also exists below the crust, and in areas where the snowpack is shallow, faceted snow exists all the way to the ground. Stability tests show these layer to be less reactive and therefore trending toward a state of dormancy. I was however, still able to cause numerous, isolated collapses yesterday. This tells me that the snowpack is still unable to support my weight in many areas, and that is therefore still possible to trigger an avalanche. All you need to do is find the right trigger point in a rocky, shallow area, or above a hidden bush, and you could trigger an avalanche 2'-4' deep.

Wednesday's wind event created stiff slabs of wind drifted snow in the upper elevations, primarily on slopes with an easterly component. They'll be stubborn today, but a triggered wind slab has the potential to break down into buried, persistent weak layers causing a deep and dangerous avalanche. Avoid steep slopes and areas such as cross-loaded gullies that have a smooth rounded appearance, or where the snow feels hollow underneath.