Recent field observations have found many areas of weak faceted snow under either melt-freeze crusts or thicker old stout wind-board. Up to now these weak layers have not led to unstable slopes, for either there hasn’t been a cohesive enough slab above (melt-freeze crust scenario), or the overlying wind-board is very strong and supports itself. However if these weak layers exist under areas of recent new wind-loading, they may now be a real threat.
Melt-Freeze crust / facet combo: With the new wind-loading, areas may now exist where a cohesive slab does lie on top of the fragile melt freeze crust/facet combination. A failure could propagate much further than expected across a slope.
Wind-board / facet combo: A smaller wind slab avalanche could be enough force now to trigger a deeper failure under the stout wind-board, also resulting in a much larger than expected avalanche.
Do your own localized assessments in safe areas, and recognize the potential that may exist. Our range is huge, so please share your findings with us thru our observation page.
This light snow has made for great riding conditions, but remember it's still a very thin snowpack in many areas! Beware of those lurking rocks and logs! Also watch out for your own slough as this light snow flows down the slope with you epecially in confined steep terrain.