Persistent Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1.5–2.5
The stout crust and facet layers that formed and were buried following St Patrick's Day will begin to be tested today. This weak interface seems to have become less reactive over the past two days of warm temperatures and sunshine but caution in steep terrain is advisable. Avalanche activity on this crust was most reactive around 8,000 and 9,500' on east aspects with many remotely triggered D1-2 slides observed in the Tetons and Greys zones. The avalanches were to some degree linked to wind-loading so it's hard to rule out further load on other aspects serving as the trigger. This layer is currently 2-3' down, deeper on the west side of the Tetons and Palisades areas. This increased depth makes this layer more stubborn but also more consequential if triggered. There are a number of question marks regarding this layer and interface which makes today (and this weekend) a good time to be conservative in the terrrain until this layer shows it's true colors.
(3/28/2023)
The third rider near or on slope triggered 1' thick soft slab from the diagonal track on the right. The slab slid on a slick crust with small facets on it that was buried March 20.
Photo: Frank Carus