Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–1.5
Over the past 24 hours, we have received 8 inches of new snow. Wind has been blowing primarily out of the S-SW, averaging 16 mph with gusts to 36+ mph. The wind slab problem is most prevalent near and above treeline where consistent panels of snow are forming.
We do not expect large avalanches today. Wind slabs form in specific terrain and may be difficult to locate.
Pay attention to leeward easterly slopes where wind blown snow is accumulating and express heightened caution in extreme terrain where you are more likely to encounter slabs that could carry you over early season hazards.
Active wind loading, shooting cracks and collapsing are indicators of instability to watch for throughout the day.
Cracking in wind drift atop a ridge
Photo: Eric Falconer