Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 2
Recent storm snow buried a layer of weak facets from the January dry spell, creating a slab problem. Avalanches 1 to 2 feet deep continue to be reported. While overall activity has decreased as the snow settles, it's led to a stiffer slab that's demonstrated it can propagate widely.
Although yesterday's warm temperatures likely formed melt-freeze crusts on sunny slopes, strong winds can sometimes scour and drift a surprising amount of snow. Be vigilant for signs of fresh wind loading and avoid slopes where recent wind-drifting has occurred. Textured snow surfaces or changes in surface hardness are obvious signs that wind has affected the area.
The problem is most pronounced on northerly aspects, but the underlying weak structure is widespread and exists across the northern half of the compass, from West through East. On some slopes, existing crusts have helped to shoulder this initial load; however, with additional snowfall expected next week, the problem is likely to become more significant and widespread.
On Friday, Jess Shade and I traveled along the Wolverine Cirque and found a settled soft slab sitting above a widespread layer of facets in a wind-sheltered area. View our observation HERE.