Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–3.5
The wind slab hazard is very real today. Prior to this storm system, wind loaded slopes had already proven reactive. The additional accumulation of 3–4 feet of new and wind transported snow will overload the snowpack today and tonight. Expect these slabs to be touchy or reactive to trigger, and run far distances into lower angle terrain. This problem will be found on W-NW-N-NE aspects, with cross loading possible on east aspects. These slabs could break up to 5 feet deep, and certainly bury and/or kill you. Avoid all leeward aspects today, giving convexities and aspect changes a safe distance. Need to double-check what aspect you're on? I often use the compass app on my phone, or carry a physical compass with me.
(1/15/2024)
Sun Bowl Avalanche Debris. Slab the size of refrigerators
Photo: Samuel Clairmont