Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 2–3
Recent Avalanches: Several wind slab avalanches occurred during last week's outflow wind event.
The snowpack structure in Summit Lake is poor, meaning there is a slab of snow sitting on top of weak facets 2 to 4’ deep. On Tuesday we experienced two collapses (whumpfs) between 2,500 and 3,000’. That being said, we have not heard of an avalanche releasing on this weak layer in several weeks and snowpack tests have not given us concerning results in a while. This can be a tricky problem to completely trust. On Colorado Mtn we still had our guard up and avoided exposing ourselves in consequential terrain in the alpine which is the safest way to steep clear of this problem altogether.
Winds slab avalanches up to 1’ deep are unlikely in the alpine and on wind-affected slopes between the road and 2,500’. They are commonly found below ridgelines, convex rollovers, and in loaded gullies. The snow can sound hollow, feel stiff and you may see shooting cracks radiating away from you. Sheltered snow in the trees will be the safest and softest place to avoid this problem.
(2/24/2026)
Approaching Colorado Peak. Between the poor snow structure and wind loading we did not ski either bowls.
Photo: Daniel Krueger