Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2
Terrain where wind and new snow have combined represents the greatest hazard of the day. Over the past three days, wind has blown primarily out of the west, averaging 12 mi/hr with gusts to 42 mi/hr. Fresh snow remains available for wind transport. Yesterday, a skier triggered wind slab was reported in near treeline terrain of the Castle Lake area. More of this is possible today, as blowing and drifting of new snow continues. Slabs could be small to large and will exist on the downwind side of ridge features, gullies, rocky outcrops and other features that enhance wind loading. Use clues such as recent avalanches, snow surface cracking, drifts and snow surface texture to identify potentially unstable slopes, and consider avoiding them.
Example of a small slope with cracking observed. If you see this, larger wind slabs could be possible.