Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
Westerly wind will remain gusty through Friday. Stronger wind and snow overnight drifted slabs near and above treeline, making it easy for you to trigger avalanches. Watch for patterns of drifting and any actively blowing snow to point out the leeward, loaded slopes. You can also use a probe or pole to feel for deeper, stiffer drifts of snow. Steer around steep convexities and pillowed drifts on wind-loaded slopes. You can always choose safer terrain at lower elevations or on wind-sheltered slopes. Below treeline, there's a chance for triggering avalanches on steep, wind-exposed features, especially where west wind gets channeled through the terrain. Otherwise, in sheltered terrain and lower elevations, you may be able to trigger loose avalanches or none at all.
(3/2/2023)
Human-triggered wind slab which propagated about 10m uphill as the skier traversed across the slope below. Skyline area, 5200', SE. SS-ASu-R1-D1-I
Photo: Charlotte Guard