Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snowpack tests are showing some potential for propagating fractures and barely strengthening, but the structure is poor or full of lemons like persistent grain types that (Near surface facets and surface hoar) formed in October and November. Many areas are shallow and thus allow effect on weak layers more easily. PAC checked a lot of locations throughout the advisory area this past week and saw the same poor structure everywhere.

Snow Stability

Bottom Line

With more snow on our snowpack in the near future, we will see more avalanches. Weak layers in the middle of the snowpack, and in some places near the ground or rocks are the primary concern right now, but forecasted winds and additional snow will form slabs in wind-loaded and protected terrain...Many steep slopes slid naturally around 12/1/22 which makes determining exactly where this layer of concern remains difficult. Cautious travel in the mountains is going to be the name of the game.