Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
A large wind slab avalanche was remotely triggered on the Shuksan Arm in the Baker backcountry Sunday afternoon. You can read the observation HERE. Other wind slab avalanches were triggered over the last couple days, including one where a rider took a small ride in Corner Pocket in the Baker backcountry on Tuesday. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the existence of weak, persistent layers at the bottom of the new snow, one to two feet down. This layer of concern is most likely to be found on upper elevation slopes on the northerly half of the compass.
A lull in precipitation will help to stabilize wind slabs that failed within the new snow layer, but it will not do much to stabilize weak layers beneath the new snow. So far, the most notable avalanches remain limited to pockets of this potential weak layer. It may not exist as large swaths, but we aren’t sure how widespread the layer is. Take this into account if you’re keen to jump out onto large, steep and exposed northerly slopes. In all areas you travel, continue to feel for changes in snow hardness. Plunge your poles into the snow to check snow depths regularly if you use them. Search for drifting on convex rolls, near rocky outcroppings, and in gullies. Pay attention to cracking and whumphs, clear signs that a steep slope could avalanche. If you find any of these characteristics, stick to lower angle terrain and avoid nearby steep slopes.
(1/31/2022) A large remotely triggered avalanche on the Shuksan Arm in the Baker backcountry. Note where the riders are standing, on the ridgeline, near where the avalanche was triggered from. They noticed whumphing before the avalanche occurred. Photo: Mt Baker Ski Patrol