Surface Hoar on Hourglass Prime for Burial

Large surface hoar was found throughout the Tamarack Peak area on N-NE aspects in both above and below treeline terrain.  Concern exists that some of this surface hoar will be able to survive the winds today and tonight and become buried.  Terrain that is commonly skied during storm conditions like Hourglass Bowl and open areas below treeline have large surface hoar that was distributed evenly across slopes.  SW winds were increasing throughout the day into the moderate range and are forecasted to continue increasing into tonight along with snowfall.  The winds today did destroy some of the surface hoar that was exposed on ridges to the SW winds, although off of ridges the surface hoar persisted.  If the surface hoar becomes buried, it can be a fragile and reactive weak layer that has a high chance of failing as additional snow load is added.  Surface hoar differs from some of our other avalanche problems, like wind slabs, that start at the top of slopes.  Surface hoar can become buried in open below treeline terrain and could also occur mid slope due to the wind destroying it in exposed areas.