Persistent weak layers, or faceted snow, is a dangerous weak layer once it gets loaded. At the moment, almost all the snow you see out there in the mountains is faceted. These will be the slopes to avoid once it snows again.

Avalanches failing on persistent weak layers can be triggered on a steep slope, or from slopes connected to a steep slope - such as from the side or from below. Arrows below show examples of low angle terrain that is below and connected to steeper slopes. Once we get a load of new snow, avalanches can be triggered from below and travel below steep slopes should be avoided.