Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Very Likely
- Größe
- 2–3
Natural and human-triggered avalanches failing on a widespread layer of weak snow are very likely. These slides will be very large, and likely unsurvivable. This weak layer was buried 1 to 2 feet down before this storm started, and is now capped with an additional 1 to 3 feet of snow from the ongoing storm.
Steering clear of all avalanche terrain and terrain exposed to steeper slopes above is the only way to avoid this problem today. Avalanches may be triggered remotely—from gentler terrain above, below, and to the sides of steep slopes. Very large natural avalanches will impact valley floors. Sluffing, cornice breaks, or small storm slabs can act as effective triggers, "stepping down" to release a very large and dangerous slide.