Persistent Weak Layer

Same

This Monday's storm snow sits on top of storm snow and wind slab from last Thursday's strong frontal passage. These snow layers sit on top of near surface facets on W-N-E facing slopes at mid and high elevations. Extended Column Tests showed propagation with medium friction on this NSF layer where wind had consolidated a slab above. In shallow snowpack areas the rest of the full depth of the snowpack is very sugary faceted snow which a slab failure in the upper snowpack could easily gouge down through to the ground likely entraining a great deal of snow. Other snow layer interfaces with weak, faceted snow are also possible in locations more prone to wind deposition and slab formation.

Wet Snow

Warm temperatures, clear skies and pounding sun are affecting a wider and wider swath of cold winter snow each day. Daytime heating of the solar half of the compass, at all elevations may produce natural wet activity.