The nice shallow powder on top of the November snow is a mix of small near surface facets, surface hoar, and a bit of actual fresh powder. It's weak, and will likely be a layer that future avalanches fail on. Many avalanche paths now have stating zones that are filled in and smooth, with a hard crust capping the November snow, which could become a good bed surface.

Views of glittery surface hoar or frost on the snow surface. Pretty and perhaps preserved by about an inch of fresh snow now, this could become a persistent weak layer when buried, and accumulating snow is in the forecast. (photos from 12-17-14)

Although avalanches are unlikely today, you still need to practice safe travel protocols. Cross potential avalanche paths one-at-a-time while the rest of your party watches from a safer location. Everyone needs to carry a shovel, probe, and transceiver. Be sure your rescue gear is functioning by practicing with it. You can bury your pack with your transceiver in it and have your partner find, probe, and excavate it. Then get them to do the same for you. Training your team is critical in this game.

+++ Quick and Easy Avalanche Rescue Practice Video............... ***HERE

Although rather unlikely, you could trigger an isolated wind slab avalanche in upper elevation drifted terrain. In some areas, strong south winds deposited stiff snow onto soft surface snow consisting of small faceted grains. Moderate southwest winds drifting surface snow today will build fresh wind slabs, and if the wind picks up strength, fresh slab formation could occur fairly rapidly. Avoid drifted snow on steep slopes, and watch for wind slab development on the lee side of ridge-lines and in and around terrain features like gullies, scoops and cliff bands.