Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2.5
Over the last 48 hours, the dominant wind direction flip-flopped from southerly, to northwesterly, and back to southerly. Gray Butte recorded extended periods of sustained moderate speeds, with extreme gusts. Yesterday afternoon, massive amounts of wind transported snow could be seen blowing off of the major ridges on Mount Shasta. Expect to find wind slabs on any aspect near and above treeline, with focus on the leeward side of ridges, exposed open slopes, and underneath rock bands. These slabs could break multiple feet deep, potentially large enough to bury/kill. Wind slab development can happen real quick, only requiring a few hours of wind to become dangerous. With yesterday's northwest wind, wind loading could have occurred in some common backcountry ski lines such as Sun Bowl, Powder Bowl, Casaval Ridge, and Middle Peak of Castle Lake. A natural release is possible from some of these areas. Careful slope assessment will be crucial today. Look for shooting cracks, failing test slopes, deep snow, and active wind loading as signs of instability. Best bet is to avoid steep slopes (greater than 30 degrees) near and above treeline.
(1/4/2025)
Nearly two foot deep crown of an intentionally triggered wind slab avalanche in Sun Bowl
Photo: Mount Shasta Avalanche Center