Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2
Moderate to strong winds have been moving our recent low-density snow around the mountains. On Friday and Saturday, there were small skier-triggered avalanches on east aspects around 7400-7800' (in the "near treeline" elevation band). Strong winds were reported higher up; although we don't have any observations from the alpine from the last 48 hours, you can bet that wind slabs were forming up high.
The windy conditions will continue through Saturday night and Sunday, with the possibility of another inch or two of new snow. We also have lots of light snow on the surface that will continue to get moved around.
Wind slabs can sometimes be tricky to spot on the snow surface: Look for rippled texture, especially in open areas below ridgetops or convex rolls. Blowing snow, snow drifts, and hollow or firm snow on the surface can also provide clues. If you're in doubt about how much a slope has been wind loaded, stick to low angle slopes or wind-sheltered terrain in the trees.