Monday's winds were able to whip recent light density storm snow into fresh drifts, sensitive to our additional weight. Found on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges and around terrain features like chutes and gullies, recently formed drifts will predictably break at or below our skis, board, or sled. While mostly manageable in size and depth take care that a small slide doesn't blindside you in steep, high consequence, commiting terrain.

As the snowpack gets comfortable in its own skin, the possibilty of triggering an avalanche that breaks to our persistent midpack weakness, the Thanksgiving crust/facet combo, begins to decrease... and that's good news, suggesting we're trending in the right direction. I wouldn't exactly call it a "green light, ride if it's white" kind of snowpack, but I do think you'd really have to go out of your way to trigger a significant avalanche today. The most likely type of terrain is steep, upper elevation slopes, especially those facing the north half of the compass. While more the execption than the rule, once triggered, an avalanche breaking near our midpack problem child will quickly get out of hand and could instantly ruin our day. Fortunately, the riding conditions are improving on other aspects and we have more options on the table to avoid this avalanche dragon. Simply swing around to lower elevation slopes or choose low angle terrain with no steep slopes above or adjacent to where you're riding.

The snowpit above reveals the unusual structure of our current snowpack. Dormant for now, but could come alive with additional significant water and wind.