Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Very Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
New snow and wind over the past 48 hours has formed reactive slabs up to two feet deep in wind loaded terrain at the mid and upper elevations. Human triggered and natural avalanches are likely at all elevations/aspects. These slabs will increase in size and sensitivity with more precipitation, strong winds, and rising temperatures forecasted through the day. Storm snow instabilities may also be found in terrain sheltered from the wind where slabs will be 12-18” deep.
Assume that the snow will be unstable if travelling in the mountains today. Obvious signs of instability such as recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapsing indicate that the snow is ripe for avalanching. Given the potential for natural avalanches, it will be critical to consider the terrain that lies above you. This includes snowmobile trails that cross avalanche paths. Traveling in, near, or under avalanche terrain is not recommended today.
Rain on snow in low elevation terrain is possible today and will rapidly destabilize the snow surface. Monitor weather conditions closely as conditions warm throughout the day.
(2/1/2025)
A human triggered wind slab yesterday. Expect larger avalanches today.