Observation: Public

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 

Persistent Slab

Comments: 

This morning about 2 inches of loose snow was observed on both my shoveling and also at the Mazama parking area over a layer about 2-3 mm thick of pure ice, below which is unconsolidated snow for about 3-4 inches deep (depth hoar?). The ice layer is uniform and difficult to penetrate, but once penetrated there is "nothing" below it for 2-3 inches. The forecast for Tuesday 12/27 is for an additional 5-8" of warmer snow. I am concerned that the weight of the new snow may trigger collapse of the ice layer into the unconsolidated and weak layer of dry, cold snow below.