Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–1.5
Watch for soft and hard wind slabs in exposed terrain, especially in the western half of this zone (Dollarhide Summit area and Soldier Mtns). The gusty, erratic winds may have formed slabs near ridgelines, on the sides of cross-loaded gullies and chutes, near prominent terrain features, and lower on slopes in unusual locations. These will be most common at upper elevations but may extend down into middle elevations as well.
The relatively thin (less than a foot thick) slabs formed on slick crusts and small facets on some slopes; this could make them easier to trigger than you'd expect, and they could break both above you or wider than anticipated. The wind slabs probably won't be large enough to bury you, but they could knock you off your feet or your sled and carry you downslope.
Hard slabs are notoriously unpredictable. I'd steer clear of very steep slopes where the wind-blown snow surface is supportable or sounds like a drum, especially in areas with trees, rocks, cliffs, or creeks below. Think about where a small avalanche would carry you before committing to riding or skiing any recently wind-loaded slopes steeper than about 35 degrees.
See the Forecast Discussion below for some information on wet loose avalanches.
(3/8/2022) New snow drifting along the Salt Bowns Rd in the Soldier Mtns.