The snow from our large storm last week has gained a lot of strength. It is supportable to skis and machines in the higher terrain. However, the weak faceted snow that is just underneath has not gained much strength. Snowpit tests produce stubborn but poor results with full failure and propagation through the weak layer.

What this means is that the snowpack is not as sensitive now, but it still has the potential to produce avalanches that break into the old faceted snow. Many steep slopes will stay in place if you get onto them. Some will not. It is almost impossible to tell which slopes will slide and which ones won't.