Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 2–3
The information we are getting from our snowpits this week is telling us that the weak layers are gaining strength, but if poked in the right spot they have the energy to propogate into an avalanche. We think the likelihood is decreasing with calm weather, but for those that do not have the risk tolerence for the possibility of getting caught in a big avalanche, this problem can be completely avoided by choosing slopes that are not steep and wind loaded. With the tricky nature of evaluating this problem, safe travel protocols are essential. Best practice is to travel one at a time in steep terrain, watch your partners, and stop in safe spots out of the way of runout zones.
Cornice Fall: Cornice fall activity should be slowing down with cold and quiet weather. It's just been a day since our last wind event though so continue to watch for cornices and give them some space on the ridge.
(1/1/2025)
Upper elevation wind loaded slopes like these on Spirit Walker are the ones harboring the persistent slab problem.
Photo: Daniel Krueger