Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 1–2.5
By midday Tuesday, I was observing cracking on small test slopes, and was able to trigger small Wind Slab avalanches. This was before any new snow had begun to fall. As new snow falls and wind continues to redistribute new storm snow, Wind Slab avalanches will become more dangerous and could easily be large enough to bury or injure a rider. On these stormy days the best riding is often found lower in the terrain where the snow is lighter. Seek out those sheltered glades. Look for where the trees are still holding lots of the storm snow.
Lastly, remember that although Wind Slabs most often occur at high elevations, they can also be found lower in the terrain where the wind blows freely. Often this is in burned areas and along lava fields.
(1/6/2026)
Small Wind Slab avalanche on NNE slope at 7,200 ft.
Photo: Gabriel Coler