Upwards of 2 feet of snow that fell since Friday the 13th under gusty WSW winds still sits upon persistent weak layers that formed during our previous dry, sunny high pressure. These layers and others mid storm are showing signs of propagating: you could still trigger a persistent slab avalanche, 1-3 feet deep, especially on wind and sun sheltered slopes. Wind loaded areas near ridgelines may be more sensitive.

Use extra cautious route finding and travel protocols on sheltered and leeward slopes steeper than 30 degrees, and evaluate the snowpack before traveling on a steep slope.

Sunday 12/15/24, Our hearts go out to the loved ones effected by  the unfortunate avalanche over the last weekend, just South of our advisory area on West Mountain where a rider triggered an avalanche and was caught and buried in a terrain trap. This avalanche failed 2-3 feet deep on buried surface hoar and near surface facets that formed during clear nights. Test scores are still producing propagating results around  1 and 2 feet down. You can read the preliminary report here. Our condolences go out to those impacted by this accident.