Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 0
1-2" of dense snow fell overnight in favored areas, with the potential for more to fall by sunset tonight (along with some rain to 8k'). This new precip means a few things for us, other than a refresh for riding:
- Wind-drifted snow: The new snow combined with SSW winds since yesterday means wind slabs are building at upper and exposed mid-elevation slopes. These slabs will be most common near ridgelines, and will build in size and reactivity during the day. Drifts, dunes, pillows, and textured surfaces are signs the wind has been at work. Expect these to be quite reactive, as...
- Weak snow beneath: Pockets of wind-drifted snow at upper and mid-elevations will likely be quite reactive, especially on slopes facing NW-N-E, as they will build atop weak, faceted snow. This is the same snow that has been rotting for the past month, and is so unconsolidated that it started causing dry loose sluffs in recent weeks. These will potentially be able to propagate widely and be triggered from a distance away.
- New snow/rain on snow: With 8k' freezing levels expect the possibility for the new snow/precipitation—especially on sheltered mid and lower elevation slopes—to be able to consolidate into dense slabs on top of old snow, or start to cause wet loose issues.