Really, my only concern out there is the slight chance of triggering a deeper avalanche that breaks into weak snow from December. Overall I think this problem is an outlier and it's pretty unlikely to trigger something. In general, the snowpack is going in a good direction:
- It's been two weeks since I've heard about an avalanche that has broken into the old December snow.
- There have been no recent reports of cracking or collapsing (whumpfing) of the snowpack
- Many areas have over 3 feet of consolidated strong snow over the old weak snow. This makes it difficult for a person to disturb those deeper layers.
- The old weak snow has gained strength.
- Snow stability tests have been showing signs of better stability.
All that said, if you dig down you can still find loose sugary snow at the base of the snowpack in many areas. This is what makes me uneasy. I'd like to see that snow become harder and stronger. It will happen as we add more snow to the pack. In the meantime, there is still a slight chance a person could trigger a deep avalanche. The most likely places are where the snowpack is shallower especialy around steep rocky terrain.