Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Unlikely
- Größe
- 1
A seemingly constant barrage of extreme wind events has left the eastern sierra with a wide variety of hard wind-affected surfaces and very little soft snow available for transport. Winds are expected to remain within transportable speeds today, but we do not expect substantial slab development. It does however remain important for the backcountry enthusiast to continue and evaluate suspect terrain carefully. Fresh and sensitive wind slabs may exist in isolated areas in the forecast area. Exposed areas and leeward catchment zones near and above treeline deserve evaluation. This is particularly true on unsupported alpine slopes, the sidewalls of alpine couloirs, and in extreme terrain. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions