Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
As the storm arrives this afternoon expect moderate to strong winds to build wind slabs large enough to bury, injure or kill a person on leeward features and ridgelines. Avalanche danger will steadily increase throughout the day as snow totals are forecasted to reach a foot by early Saturday morning. Look and listen for evidence of the wind transporting snow near treeline and above, and plan to avoid any areas prone to wind loading. Slopes where winds are rapidly depositing snow, the snow appears smooth, or you see shooting cracks beneath you will harbor reactive wind slabs. The wind direction is forecasted to stay relativley consistent from the southwest, however, cross loading and terrain influences may build wind slabs on unexpected aspects and keen observation skills will be required to avoid this problem. Wind can deposit snow up to ten times faster than it falls, so slabs could be deeper than expected and form quickly under today's conditions.
(1/1/2025)
These shooting cracks show fracturing in this unstable slab. The only thing missing here is a slope over 30 degrees, steep enough to avalanche.
Photo: Tom Whipple