Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1.5–2.5
Available snow from recent accumulations ( 4 in the last 24 hrs) will continue to blow around and load existing slabs on the lee sides of ridges and in the alpine. On Friday I found these wind slabs to be shallow ( 6-12 in deep), however, with consistent moderate winds these slabs have likely grown in size and distribution in the last 24 hours. These slabs will likely become more stubborn to trigger as winds continue to harden these slabs. Use visual clues to identify where wind loaded slopes live. Look for sharp cornices, wind rippled snow, or pillow-like drifts of snow. If you observe shooting cracks, cornices easily failing, or see recent avalanche activity- avoid similar slopes and travel in lower angled, sheltered terrain.
On Saturday the Meadows Patrol triggered large avalanches ( up to D2.5) in wind drifted snow.
Photo: Nich Asher