Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
Strong winds and fresh snow will work together today to form unstable slabs near and above treeline. Snowfall rates are expected to intensify by mid-morning and continue through the evening. This means that the size and distribution of unstable slabs will increase throughout the day. Blowing snow, recent drifting, hollow drum-like snow surfaces, and shooting cracks in surface snow are all signs that indicate nearby wind deposits. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. Sheltered terrain with lower slope angles will offer safer riding opportunities.
Skier-triggered wind slab avalanche
3/28/24
Photo: Steve Mace