Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2
A snowfall rate of 1 inch per hour, cold temperatures, and strong southwest winds will make easy work of drifting snow. Avalanche conditions will be most touchy in the second half of the day and night. The chief concerns are developing wind slabs on leeward aspects beneath ridgelines, rock outcroppings, and mid-slope depressions. Storm slabs will be problematic on any slope steeper than 30 degrees, hosting over eight inches of new snow. The greatest risk will be where these two problems overlap. Avoid terrain near and above treeline where heavy snowfall is accumulating on slopes beneath features that also encourage drifting. Identify convex slope features and terrain traps, as these are likely trigger points and areas of greatest consequence. By monitoring surface slab growth and using localized assessments, you will better understand the sensitivity of the new snow and thus better manage the risk. Anticipate cross-loading in the alpine and drifting snow in open forested areas below treeline.
(1/10/2024)
Wind transport and active snowfall rapidly accumulating on the leeward (left) side of the ridge
Photo: Eric Falconer