A persistent weak layer of faceted snow that developed during the cold dry period in mid November exists on aspects that face W-N-SE. You are more likely to trigger an avalanche on slopes facing NW-N-E, where wind drifted snow has built thick slabs on top. These hard slabs are 1-4' thick and can produce very large, deep, and potentially deadly avalanches. The snowpack has become quiet. You will not observe obvious signs of instability as you travel today, however a poor snowpack structure still exists. This is when things get tricky. Typically during December in a continental snowpack these types of instabilities take a long time to heal. I am still traveling conservatively. If you are stepping out into moderate terrain you should do so cautiously. It is wise to avoid complex terrain and terrain traps. It is possible trigger an avalanche on:

You can avoid this avalanche problem by keeping your slope angles below 30 degrees, ride slopes that are heavily anchored by dense trees, or ride South facing slopes that do not harbor this dangerous persistent weak layer.

Starting late Tuesday, strong NW winds blew and drifted snow forming unstable unstable slabs on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features. NW winds have a tendency to produce some unexpected loading patterns in the La Sals. Be on the lookout for fresh drifts that look fat, smooth, and rounded. Snow cracking beneath your skis is a clue that you have found a fresh drift. Newly formed wind slabs tend to be more reactive to skier triggering. Any triggered wind drift has the potential to step down and trigger a deeper and more dangerous avalanche, especially on previously loaded slopes that face NW-N-E.