Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–1.5
What and where is it:Small new wind slabs could be found above 3000’ on steep slopes that face north, east, or south.
Old, thicker, and harder wind slabs that are much harder to trigger could be found above 3000’ in isolated areas on steep slopes that face east and south.
How can you recognize it: Watch out for areas of softer, drifted snow in steep and wind-sheltered locations like below ridgelines, underneath cliffs, and in narrow gullies. Increased boot or ski penetration, shooting cracks under your feet, and a strong-over-weak snow structure are signs of a wind slab that could be unstable.
Old, harder wind slabs are isolated in nature and will be hard to identify without digging into the snow. Look for buried layers of soft snow sitting on top of much harder layers of snow.
How can you manage it:Choose travel routes carefully and travel strategically to limit your chance of triggering or being caught in an avalanche. Traveling on a hard, textured snow surface can help to avoid the avalanche hazard. Consider the actions of other people above you and the potential consequences of triggering even a small avalanche with many exposed rocks, ice, and terrain traps below.