Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Unlikely
- Größe
- 1.5–2
Triggering a persistent slab avalanche remains a possibility on wind-loaded slopes above about 9,200 feet that face NW-N-NE-E. These areas harbor weak layers (sugary facets, surface hoar, and crust + facet combinations) that remained dry during the recent hot weather.
Steep, rocky, wind-affected slopes with variable snowpack depths are the most suspect. Look for smooth snow pillows and dunes as indicators that the wind has been at work. You may not see obvious signs of instability, such as snowpack cracking and collapsing, before triggering a slide.
(3/17/2026) A pair of large natural slab avalanches that failed on weak sugary facets buried 2 feet below the surface. N aspect @ 8300'. These probably occurred over the March 14/15 weekend.
Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center