Poor snowpack structure exists with consolidated slabs resting on buried persistent weak layers of loose, sugary, faceted snow on west through southeast aspects near and above treeline. The most dangerous areas are on slopes near and above treeline that face NW-N-SE where wind drifted snow has created slabs 1'-3' deep on top of these buried weak layers. These avalanches are becoming harder to trigger but once released, they will be large and destructive. Likely trigger points include shallower areas along slope margins, around sparse trees or rock outcroppings, or on repeat running slide paths.

Yesterday, several extended column tests produced propagation (two did not) under hard loading steps near and above treeline on westerly aspects. (ECTP Hard x 4 and ECTX x 2). Consistent with the entire season, basal weak layers of facets and depth hoar comprised the weak layer of concern. I suspect this may be related to the relatively warm snow temperatures, where cold, stiff-snow produces more of a bridging effect, and warm/moist snow allows the weak layer to be more easily affected. In any event, although it feels like springtime, higher elevation shady slopes are still very much transition from the depths of winter and contain hard slabs on top of weak facets/depth hoar.

Strong southerly winds have created fresh deposits of wind drifted snow upper elevations. Look for fresh drifts on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features like sub-ridges and gully walls. On steep, northerly aspects, wind drifted snow has added additional stress to buried persistent weak layers so it isn't merely a question of identifying and testing for wind slab instability. The bottom line is that steep, wind loaded, northerly-facing terrain is where you are most likely to trigger a deep and dangerous avalanche.