Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–1.5
It may be easy to trigger soft slabs of wind-drifted snow where drifts formed over old snow layers, especially on the north half of the compass. North to northwest winds are cross-drifting on aspects holding the weakest snow while forming fresh wind drifts on southerly aspects. Shooting cracks and blowing snow are signs of instability: manage the problem by avoiding leeward terrain features where the new snow is stiffer and thicker. Most wind sheltered terrain lacks a slab; stay alert for isolated exceptions.
(11/30/2025)
A shallow wind slab (6") triggered by tapping the slope with my ski pole. NE aspect ATL
Photo: Crested Butte Avalanche Center