Poor snowpack structure remains widespread on slopes facing west to north to east. The 2/11 persistent weak layer is now buried beneath 22 inches of recent snow. On some below-treeline slopes, this new snow has formed a cohesive slab, and skiers and riders can still trigger soft slab avalanches. The danger increases with elevation, where thicker, more cohesive slabs rest above the weak layer. The greatest concern is on slopes that face north and east, where hard slabs 2 to 4 feet thick now rest above weak facets. Human-triggered avalanches remain likely, and any avalanche may step down to deeper weak layers, as confirmed by recent field observations. Avalanches failing on the 2/11 weak layer are large enough to bury a person, and deeper step-down avalanches could release the entire season’s snowpack, resulting in destructive and deadly avalanches.

Obvious signs of instability, such as collapsing and cracking, are becoming less frequent. Do not let the lack of obvious red flags create a false sense of security. Many steep slopes did not avalanche during Friday’s storm and remain primed for release. The weak layer is still sensitive, and these slopes remain poised for a trigger. This is the type of persistent weak layer problem that will linger for a long time. The safest strategy today is to avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Temperatures remained well above freezing last night. With abnormally warm weather, wet-loose activity should be on your radar. I don't expect wet activity to be all that widespread today, but it is hard to ignore these extremely warm temperatures. Wet activity is likely to ramp up in the coming days with highs in the upper 40s°F this weekend.

Be on the lookout for the usual signs of wet snow avalanches, including pinwheels, rollerballs, saturated snow, and punching deep on solar aspects. If you are experiencing any of these red flags, it is time to change aspects or head home.