Storm Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Very Likely
- Größe
- 3
AVOID TRAVEL IN ALL AVALANCHE TERRAIN AND STAY CLEAR OF AVALANCHE RUNOUTS
- Soft slab and loose avalanches of storm snow will become increasingly likely on steep slopes at all elevations as heavy snow accumulates in the backcountry. People are very likely to trigger avalanches on slopes steeper than about 30°, and avalanches could be triggered remotely (from a distance) or from below steep slopes. Large and long-running natural avalanches will probably occur in many areas today and/or tonight, so people should stay well clear of avalanche runouts.
- Wind slab avalanches, consisting of drifted storm snow, are likely in wind exposed terrain at all elevations. Natural cornice falls and large wind slab avalanches will be increasingly likely as strong winds from the west-southwest load tremendous amounts of fresh snow into avalanche starting zones. Wind slabs are most likely found on the lee side of major ridges and corniced slopes facing northwest through southeast, but also in and around terrain features like sub-ridges, gullies, scoops, and cliff bands.
- Large and dangerous avalanches stepping down into older snow on one of several buried persistent weak layers are also likely, especially in areas with shallow snow and poor snow structure. Audible collapses (whumpfs) and shooting cracks are sure signs of instability, but these may not be present when avalanches occur. Avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer might be triggered remotely (from a distance) or from below steep slopes.