Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 2–2.5
Lingering instability could continue where a layer of buried surface hoar or near surface facets exists below our recent storm snow. This is an isolated avalanche problem and highly variable where these layers exists and if they are still reactive. Many recent observations have shown these layers to be unreactive, with the buried surface hoar being flattened, small in size, or not present. Where this surface hoar is buried upright and is very large in size, greater than 10mm, are the most concerning areas. Unfortunately, buried surface hoar can have uneven distribution through terrain and can also be highly variable in reactivity. Unlike typical storm slab issues, these layers will take longer to adjust and fully gain strength.
Continue to look for signs of instability while traveling in the backcountry: recent avalanche activity, shooting cracks, whumpfing, or collapsing would indicate an active weak layer in your area. Remote triggering and wide propagation are also possible with persistent slab avalanche problems. Utilize good terrain management strategies with your group to limit or avoid your exposure to this avalanche problem.