A Persistent Weak Layer of sugary faceted snow that formed in mid November remains my biggest concern. For today, chances for triggering an avalanche that breaks into this layer are fairly unlikely. Even though triggering a slide is unlikely, I personally just avoid slopes steeper than 30˚ when there is a buried layer of loose sugar. You cannot trust your life with this stuff. This layer will eventually stabilize but I don't think we're there just yet.

My big question is how the buried weak layer will behave as we add more snow on top of it, perhaps a lot of snow! I really don't know quite what to expect. It's possible that it doesn't get overloaded and become reactive. However, it's also very possible that the place comes unglued and we see large avalanches. Uncertainty is a clue and whenever there is uncertainty, you must go the conservative route. If I don't see any natural avalanches during the upcoming storms, I'll be satisfied that the weak layer has stabilized. Keep in mind though, you must treat it as guilty until proven innocent.

For some insight on a Moderate avalanche danger rating with a Persistent Weak Layer, read THIS BLOG POST BY FORECASTER ERIC TRENBEATH.