Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2.5
Recent snow and moderate westerly wind gusting strong have and will continue to form wind slabs one to two feet deep. It is possible to find areas of wind-drifted snow near and above treeline on leeward, W-NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects, especially near ridges and rock outcroppings. Wind-loaded terrain will be evident by drifts, pillows, and firmer surfaces. Watch for cracking and collapsing, as they are blatant indicators of instability in this problem. Using small, inconsequential test slopes similar to slopes you'll be riding is an excellent way to evaluate the snow before committing to more exposed avalanche terrain.
Storm Slabs: The forecast area received 14 inches of snow in the last 48 hours. Lingering storm slabs about one foot deep will be possible to trigger. Like wind slabs, they will display similar signs of instability (shooting cracks, collapsing, etc.) but you will find them to be more widespread and occurring in sheltered terrain, relatively unaffected by the wind.
(2/14/2024)
Cracking in recent/wind-loaded snow
Photo: Cory Beattie