Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2.5
An extended dry period in December formed a thick layer of weak snow that can be found on all aspects above 7500 feet. The chance continues for recreationalists to trigger hard slab avalanches with depths of 1 to 3 feet involving this buried layer. Although the likelihood of triggering a slide has decreased, human triggered avalanches remain possible.
(1/30/2024)
This slope at 9,400 feet failed widely in the afternoon of January 30th. After two days of above freezing temps, water flowing through the snowpack reached down to the weak layer of facets, or possibly a crust with facets, and tipped over the first domino in the weak layer.
Photo: Frank Carus