Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible
- Größe
- 1–2
What and where is it: New wind slabs from shifting winds and recent snow will be variable in size and distribution, and may be sensitive to your weight. You are most likely to encounter a new, sensitive wind slab on east-facing and south-facing aspects above 3000 feet in elevation and near terrain features that have provided shelter from strong, shifting winds. Don’t discount the possibility of finding a small wind slab on west-facing aspects in wind-protected terrain features.
How can you recognize it: Look for obvious signs of an unstable snowpack, including snow blowing at the ridgelines, deep snow drifts, and shooting cracks under your feet. Digging in the snow with your hand, a pole, or a shovel could reveal a hard-over-soft snow structure that may slide easily on a firm layer of snow below. How can you manage it:Make observations to identify deep drifts of snow that have formed in steep, sheltered terrain. If you find drifts that are deeper than the top of your boots, stop to make careful assessments of that snow and consider an alternate route that avoids deep drifts of new snow.