Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Lawinenprobleme

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  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1–2

  Yesterday the Salt and Wyoming Ranges received 7 - 8 inches of snow with an additional 4-8 inches of snow forecasted for today. This new snow combined with moderate winds has formed slabs 1-2 feet thick on middle and upper elevations. Expect these slabs to grow larger as snow and west-southwest winds continue today. At low elevations, expect to encounter isolated pockets of slabs up to 1 foot thick on steep terrain. You are most likely to trigger a wind slab near ridgelines, on exposed leeward slopes, or on mid-slope terrain features such as gullies. Watch for obvious signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing, and avoid steep slopes with signs of wind-loading. Cornice growth and pillows are clear signs of wind-transported snow. 

  

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  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1–2

  While triggering a persistent slab avalanche is less likely, weak layers buried 1-4 feet below the snow surface remain. Although the last reported persistent slab avalanche was one week ago, today’s continued snowfall will increase the likelihood of triggering an avalanche - particularly on north-facing slopes at middle and upper elevations where winds have deposited additional snow loads. Watch out for obvious signs of instability such as cracking or collapsing (whoomphing). Use a wide safety buffer and conservative decision-making around steep slopes to address the uncertainty.