Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
In the last week we have seen numerous avalanches that are 2 to 3 foot deep hard slabs and have failed on buried weak snow that formed in January. Slides have been triggered by the weight of a rider, but they have also been triggered from a distance by people moving on low angle slopes. This trend will continue for the time being. The persistent weak layer of snow exists above 8,000 feet on slopes that face west through north through east and have occurred on open exposed slopes, as well as sheltered slopes in the trees. These are unmanageable avalanches so avoiding tangling with them is key.
Pay attention to what the weather does today. If snow comes in with wind, you may be able to trigger shallow soft slab avalanches at upper elevations on wind loaded slopes or on slopes with a slick crust underneath. A small surface snow avalanche has the potential to step down into buried weak snow.
(2/27/2026)
Recent avalanche near Split Rock yesterday. This avalanche was on the smaller side, but if piled up in a creek of depression it could still bury a rider.