Storm Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–1.5
Recent snow 8-10 inches deep sits on weak snow (a poor bonding interface) formed during an extended drought period in January. This low density snow lacks a slab in many areas and has not been very unstable based on previous observations. Watch for the recent snow to set up into a firm, cohesive slab today on wind loaded or sunlit slopes. This could increase the chance of triggering avalanches that are capable of gaining momentum and size quickly. The weak, faceted snow is most pronounced on shaded aspects sheltered from the wind. Shooting cracks or collapsing are clear indications of unstable snow.
Wind slabs: Westerly wind has formed wind drifted snow on leeward aspects around 2 feet deep on slopes exposed to the wind at or above treeline. Look for obvious signs of wind loading such as drifts or stiffened snow.
This photo illistrates some of the weak laayers buried below yesterdays snow that avalanches could fail on.