Gold Basin SNOTEL site (10,000')

How to liven up the discussion? Though the odds of triggering a large avalanche continue to decrease, a persistent weak layer of faceted snow still exists at the base of the snow pack on northerly aspects. Observations sent in over the past week indicate that this weak layer is gaining strength in some areas, while I have found it to still be dry, loose, and sugary in others. It's called spatial variability, and Charlie Ramser describes it well in his recent observation. Wind loading and wind stripping create varying depths across the snow pack. Deeper areas tend to be stronger, while shallower areas tend to be weaker. In thinner snowpack areas, the buried weak layer is also more easily affected by the weight of a skier or rider. This is why we say likely trigger points include thinner snowpack areas such as the lines along slope margins, near rocky outcrops, steep convexities, or on slopes that have previously avalanched. Careful terrain choices are imperative if you are considering stepping out. We are moving into a low probability, but high consequence situation and all it takes is finding the right trigger point.

Wind, sun, and warm temperatures have all affected the snow surface and you will need to be more creative in your search for soft snow. Chris Benson included the video below in his observation from yesterday. Observe how he has carefully managed the terrain, and note the thin snowpack areas riddling the adjacent, steep north face.