Extreme weather should be concern for extreme avalanche conditions. Near constant precipitation (very heavy at times) and strong southerly winds have plagued the forecast region since the beginning of December. Significant loading near and above treeline have created a series of wind slab unknown in size and predictability. Punchy snow, visible loading and strong over weak layer indicate the presence of these wind slabs that could propagate much larger than expected. A wide margin of safety is necessary for mitigating this avalanche hazard with the extraordinary weather event. Lower run-out zones should also be assessed carefully and avoided while the snowpack has time to adjust.

At the base of the snowpack, depth hoar still exists, and a series of melt-freeze crusts in the mid-pack. On Dec. 2nd freezing levels spiked to 5,000′ and possibly even higher that have undoubtedly created a  melt-freeze layer of concern. Any of these crusts can act as a bed surface and a weak interface within the old snow. Heavy new loading above these persistent and deep persistent layers has increased the likelihood of triggering these layers. This will be a problem on all aspects. Be especially cautious of steep, heavily wind-loaded areas near and above treeline, and unsupported slopes. Convexities, where there is a steep rollover, will be a likely place to trigger a deeper slab, or where a initial slide could step-down with high consequences. This kind of danger is tricky and can be hard to manage, so again, a wide safety margin is recommended. Lower run-out zones should also be assessed carefully and avoided while the snowpack has time to adjust.