Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
New snow and strong wind speeds will combine to create a fresh batch reactive of wind slabs on Saturday. These slabs may break in surprising ways if they rest on top of weak, sugary snow from our recent dry spell.
You can find these wind slabs forming on the leeward side of ridges, directly under cornices, and scattered throughout upper elevations. Pay attention to signs such as blowing snow to help you anticipate where wind-loaded slopes exist. You can simply avoid this problem by sticking to more sheltered terrain and avoiding pockets of snow that look fat or rounded.
(12/1/2023)
Default to more sheltered terrain if you notice shooting cracks like this under your feet or sled.
Photo: Joe Dellaporta