Last week's 20" of dense snow has formed a cohesive slab on top of of the old, weak, October snow. This faceted persistent weak layer will likely remain relevant for some time. Stability tests on Thursday showed that the slab has grown more stubborn to release with results scoring ECTP 23 on a north aspect around 10,000'. Any avalanche triggered on this layer would be 2' deep or more, and would result in a dangerous ugly ride. It's early season, and with a snowpack structure consisting of a slab on top of an obvious persistent weak layer, I'd continue to avoid steep, northerly facing slopes for the time being.

Strong southerly winds over the past several days have blown and drifted snow on to northerly aspects where weak, sugary snow from October sits underneath. These areas of wind drifted snow have added additional stress to our persistent weak layer problem. In short, the strategy is simple - avoid steep, wind drifted slopes on the north half of the compass. Recent deposits of wind drifted snow may also be found on slopes facing W and SE. Recent drifts may be recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance or sound hollow underneath. Cracking is a sign of instability. Avoid steep slopes where you can detect recent deposits of wind drifted snow.