Below is some information that describes the current situation with the weak layers of snow at the base of the snowpack that formed in Nov, Dec, and Jan.

Weak faceted loose sugary snow remains at the base of the snowpack. This remains a threat on steep upper elevation shady slopes. We just have not seen quite enough snow during the second half of the winter to compress and force the loose snow grains to bond. You can see the progression below from my snow study plot in Spring City Canyon. Everything below the dark black line is faceted snow. Over time, it has compressed and increased in strength a bit except right at the base.

Snow stability tests remain poor at this location. This location should be fairly representative of many other higher elevation shady locations around the range.