Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
Shifting winds will build fresh drifts on all aspects. Local hazard assessment will be crucial. Conditions will be most dangerous where the most new snow falls - likely in the northern half of the forecast area. Wind slabs will be largest and most dangerous as you climb above the treeline on leeward slopes. Don’t discount sensitive slabs at lower elevations, and on unusual aspects. While these may be smaller, they can be dangerous above terrain traps. Track blowing snow and growing cornices as clues pointing to wind-loaded slopes. Avoid steep terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. Dense, textured surfaces that feel hollow or crack around you mean you’ve strayed onto wind-loaded terrain. Sheltered areas and low slope angles will be safer.
(1/18/2023)
Large natural wind slab avalanche in the Sherwins.