Cornices
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Unlikely
- Größe
- 1
Stubborn, difficult to trigger wind slabs are widespread in near and above treeline areas on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. Evaluate carefully any areas of recent wind loading, especially in complex terrain and near or above cliff bands. Wind slabs generally have visually discernable boundaries constrained by terrain features. Communicate with your partner(s) and know where the slab boundaries are.
Areas of problematic facets at the base of the snowpack near treeline and below treeline on NW-N-NE aspects are becoming increasingly few. However, unintentionally finding an isolated pocket that has remained unstable could certainly ruin your day. The overall snowpack is only 2-3 feet deep (or less) in most areas so evaluation requires little effort. A quick pole probe or boot post hole and subsequent hand pit will identify if you can make a snowball out of the softer snow at the base of the snowpack. It you find sugary grains that poorly form into a snowball, reevaluate your terrain choice.