Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1
Small slabs of wind drifted snow may have started to form on leeward aspects. As long as new snow amounts remain limited today, these wind slabs should remain small and confined to areas near ridgelines. They may be sensitive to human-triggering, but their consequences should be minimal due to their small size. Larger, more serious wind slabs are unlikely but not impossible in the most wind-loaded areas. If more snow falls than forecasted, expect larger, more widespread wind slabs.
Cornices above a slope, blowing snow, drifted snow, and wind created surface features can help identify where wind slabs may exist. Pay especially close attention to places where wind slabs exist near terrain traps because these can magnify the severity of any size avalanche. Areas sheltered from the winds with previously smooth surfaces should provide more consistent recreation conditions.