A buried persistent weak layer that formed in November is present on all aspects in the La Sal range. The big New Year's storm produced several large and destructive avalanches near treeline and above on slopes that face NW-N-NE. Blowing and drifting snow is continuing to add stress to these slopes and you will find the greatest danger on the North half of the compass. Recent stability tests have shown that the weak layer is gaining strength. Avalanches are becoming harder to trigger on this layer, but the consequences remain the same. Any avalanche triggered on the deeply buried PWL would be massive and devastating.

Signs of instability have become less obvious as we get further away from our last loading event. The very large crowns and debris piles around Gold Basin should be a good reminder of what is lurking under the snow. Most accidents occur when the danger is moving from Considerable to Moderate, keep this in mind today.

On Thursday winds out of the SSE were blowing in the 30's with gusts in the 40's. Plumes of snow could be seen shooting off the high peaks from down in town. Fresh soft slabs of wind drifted snow will be most pronounced on leeward slopes on the North half of the compass. These slopes will be loaded well below ridge lines today, further down than you might expect. Strong winds have the ability to load any aspect, because terrain features can cause winds to shift and change direction. Look for fresh drifts on all aspects above treeline.

Wind drifted snow is stiffer and more cohesive than non drifted snow. Hard drifts often sound hollow and drum like. Freshly formed wind drifts are quite sensitive and easily triggered. Old, hard wind slabs can be stubborn and allow you to get far out on to them before they fail. Shooting cracks in the snow are a good indicator that you have stepped onto a wind drift.

I took this photo on Thursday as I was gassing up to head to the Abajos. The peak in the center is Mt. Mellenthin. The plumes of snow shooting off the peak are obvious. Even from town we can tell that Northerly slopes were being loaded up yesterday.