Aspect: All aspects, most likely on wind loaded aspects and features SW-S-SE-E.

Elevation: All elevations, mainly at and above treeline.

The Bottom Line: While triggering an avalanche deeper in the snowpack has become more difficult, strong over weak layering in the upper snowpack could still produce a slide. Remain vigilant around suspect terrain and potential trigger points on exposed slopes greater than 30 degrees, below ridge-lines and in couloirs/gullies. If you venture into new terrain, keep in mind false positive confidence. 

Travel advice: Use safe travel techniques such as only exposing one person at a time both on the way up and down. Identify and avoid thin areas where weak layers are more likely to trigger a slide from. Group up in safe zones that are out of harms way. Have good communication, including radios and a set plan in case of an emergency. Be practiced at companion rescue.

• On wind-protected slopes, there is preserved buried surface hoar about 5-10″ deep
• Snowfall Dec. 6-10th alternated with wind events and was blown around by strong NW winds on Dec. 11th. A repeat of the same conditions occurred with NW winds Dec 19th, followed by 6″ of new snow, and now more NW winds.
• Cold temperatures Dec. 3-5th created weak snow at the surface that is now buried in many places
• Over a meter deep: old weak layers are buried and difficult to trigger, but still there.
• Toward the very bottom: early season snowfalls and crusts linger and are very difficult to trigger but are still of concern for step-down potential.

It is still possible that any surface avalanches could step down to deeper weak layers, the October rain crust, or even the ground in alpine areas. 

The persistent slab danger is not going away, it is standing by waiting for the right trigger. We have not had a crush and flush cycle, or stabilizing event. Keep in mind that most avalanches are triggered by someone in the group.

Test pit from Dec. 23rd with buried crust 70cm down