Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Unlikely
- Größe
- 1–2
Last week, the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains encountered moderate to strong winds that led to the redistribution of snow near ridgelines. The prevailing winds were primarily from the North, although some areas, especially in the Cabinets, experienced South to Southwest winds as well. During our recent travels along ridgelines, we've identified several indicators of wind transport, including the formation of cornices, wind etching, and drifts. Despite these observations, we have not come across significant wind slabs or encountered any warning signs such as shooting cracks or "whumphing."
Overall, the current avalanche conditions appear to be generally safe, even in proximity to ridgelines where concerns about wind slabs would typically arise. Nevertheless, exercise heightened awareness in extreme terrain, beneath cornices, or in areas heavily loaded with wind-driven snow.
Thank you to everyone who have sent observations in! That valuable data is not only used to help improve forecasts, but also helps out fellow backcountry recreationalists
Photo: izzy davis