Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–1.5
What and where is it:
Early in the day, look out for yesterday’s wind slabs in sheltered east and south-east facing terrain at middle and upper elevations. At upper elevations, these slabs were observed to be poorly bonded due to the firm rimed surface underneath.
With new snow forecast in the afternoon and through the evening, look out for newly forming wind slabs in northeast, east, and south aspects at middle and upper elevations.
How can you recognize it:
This morning, take advantage of clear visibility to identify smooth wind-drifted snow. This will be in contrast to textured, scoured, and wind-hardened old snow surfaces. Areas of concern will be sheltered snow and steep unsupported areas in east-facing terrain.
In the afternoon, look for blowing snow at ridgelines as a sign of newly developing wind slabs. Pay attention as snow begins to accumulate and dig down to the old snow interface to see how new slabs are bonding.
How can you manage it:
Your best tool will be your eyes this morning. To limit your exposure, plan your travel on firm and wind-hardened surfaces. If you choose to travel through pillowy smooth drifts, take time to dig down to the interface to assess the slab's sensitivity. Isolated slabs may have a strong-over-weak structure, and these are the isolated areas to be wary of.
As snow accumulates this afternoon, pay attention to blowing snow and snow drifts deeper than your boot tops.