Widespread Whumpfing and Cracking on Silver Peak

We toured into the Silver Peak area today to see the new storm snow totals and monitor the Dec 11 persistent weak layer.  Above 7000', 8 to 12'' of new high density storm snow exists with lesser amounts below 7000'.  While we did not see natural avalanche activity on the Dec 11 weak layer in this area, the new snow load has still overloaded and stressed the weak layer causing many signs of instabilities.  We encountered widespread whumpfing sounds (40-50 whumpfs) along with numerous cracking while on our tour.  Concern continues that human triggered avalanches will take place on this weak layer going forward.

We took a very cautious travel approach on our tour.  We utilized terrain that was well below 30 degrees in steepness.  We avoided all avalanche terrain including run out zones and areas that would be connected to steeper terrain above or to the side of our route.