A well-connected persistent slab avalanche that failed in mid-elevations around 9,400' on a WNW slope in Weber Canyon near Shingle Mill Peak.

Our persistent weak layer has been no match for last weeks storms that piled up almost 3' of snow with 3" of liquid water on top of it. A dense, strong, pencil-hard slab sits atop our weak January Drought Layer (JDL) of persistent, faceted grains. Track a trench or dig down and check it out for yourself, and don't forget to use your avalanche eyeballs as the avalanches help to tell their own story. This past weeks natural avalanche cycle helps us key and clue in on the behavior of these wide, deep, and dangerous slides.

Yes, we are past the peak of sensitivity to triggers like us and we are seeing less obvious signs of instability like cracking and collapsing. But the evidence is clear, and very large, destructive avalanches are waiting for a trigger like us to roll along and kick the legs out from under it. Keep in mind that the snowpack is most susceptible to our weight as a rider, and easiest to trigger in suspect terrain that is thin and shallow near trees or rock outcroppings, and in protected areas free of wind.

Avoidance is the go-to and only tool for this avalanche problem,. These avalanches are unmanageable, destructive, and ready to ruin our day in the backcountry. I am steering clear of any chance of a run-in and avoiding all avalanche terrain on the north half of the compass where this avalanche dragon exists. Above is a rough profile from near Currant Creek, where dense and cohesive storm snow from last week has consolidated on top our our JDL, and is now the focus point of our hazard. This maritime-esque slab is no match for our continental faceted weak layer.

Over the past few days light to moderate winds have help wind-drifted snow form into small slabs, and today a few lingering drifts may be encountered today up in the windzone at upper elevations, around the compass. Although stubborn to triggers and small in size, even a small avalanche could knock you off your feet or into consequences of terrain like trees, rocks and cliffs.

In dealing with this manageable problem look for and avoid rounded, textured drifts that look like pillows. They are likely to be found on on the leeward sides of ridges, below cornices, or on cross-loaded terrain features such as gullies, cut banks, and slope convexities.

Above, a small natural wind-drift failed underneath a cornice on an east facing slope at upper elevations. I would expect todays drifts to look similar as the one above and be stubborn to our additional weight as a rider.