The problem we have this winter is we aren't getting consistent snowfall. Days and days of cold clear weather back in November and December caused our base to become weak and faceted. Over Christmas, we loaded this weak layer (storm snow), and two people tragically died from this setup. As the snow settled and adjusted, this weak layer became more and more used to the weight above, and therefore, it's becoming harder and harder to trigger. Especially when we haven't seen another loading event. The last avalanche we saw on this layer was January 16th.

To add insult to injury, we haven't had much snow since the New Year. I count five small storms with 13 nights of clear and cold weather that faceted the snow surface, perhaps making our next weak layer. Yes, we will see large and dangerous avalanches again, especially when we load our snowpack with more weight. But for now, we wait.

For me, there is too much faceted snow in the snowpack to trust it. I do not like faceted snow. It's unpredictable and scary. I am going to remain patient and continue to avoid steep slopes facing the north side of the compass for the foreseeable future. If you choose to ride that terrain, set yourself up for success and consider the consequences (like trees). Travel one at a time and avoid steep, shallow, rocky terrain where it is more likely to trigger a deeper slab avalanche 2-4 feet deep.