Observations from West Willow Basin from elevations of ~4500' to ~5400'. Travelling up the East side of West Willow today presented an opportunity to see how the various avalanche problems from the last couple of weeks (Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs, and Persistent Slabs) have adjusted to loading and warming last week.

Ultimately, tests from below 5000' over the last two weeks have demonstrated a significant break down of the buried surface hoar, our Persisitent Week Layer. lower in elevation. However, it is now turning into some classic near surface faceting with the other layers in the melt freeze sandwiches from early January with low/moderate strength.

Above 5000' is a different story. Temps have stayed cold, wind has loaded almost all aspects, and heavy new snow is on the way this week. The attached video demonstrates that the buried surface hoar is still reactive, and still touchy. Travel plans have been adjusted to avoid all steep terrain on both approach and descent and we are mindful of loaded aspects. Choose safe, have fun!