Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Lawinenprobleme

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1.5–2.5

  You're mostly likely to trigger a dense, 2-5 foot thick slab avalanche on slopes facing the northern 2/3 of the compass, where the wind frequently blows, and the snowpack depth is variable. Some visual clues to identify suspect slopes:

  • Cornices, wind-pillows, and textured surfaces indicate the wind has been at work.  
  • If you see rocks sticking out of the snow, expect variable snowpack depths. Avalanches are easier to trigger in thin spots at the edges of slabs, near ridgelines, and along rocky, mid-slope ribs.

  Remotely triggering an avalanche from flat terrain near steep slopes remains a possibility. If you do trigger an avalanche, you probably won't observe obvious signs of instability like snowpack collapsing or cracking beforehand. You can read the Forecast Discussion below for some tips on managing lingering Persistent Slab avalanche problems. 

  Additional discussion: You may encounter small, easy-to-trigger, wind slabs at upper elevations, particularly in alpine terrain. Be on the lookout for wind-loaded features near ridgelines and along the sides of cross-loaded gullies. Shooting cracks are a clear indication of wind-transported snow. On very steep, sun-exposed southerly slopes that are sheltered from the wind, small loose snow avalanches may occur and could release naturally. Pay attention to the terrain above you.