Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Increasing wind speeds, light precipitation (.25 swe) , and snow available for transport will keep wind slabs on the menu on Friday. If you’re looking for a wind slab, you’ll likely find these hard slabs on the leeward sides of ridges, below cornices, and at the base of cliff or rock bands. Don’t be surprised if you find these wind slabs further down slope than usual due to recent strong winds.
Blowing snow should be easy to spot on Friday, so paying attention to where snow is drifting will help you identify possible problematic slopes. You can also look for rounded pillows of snow, textured surfaces, and fresh drifts to help you identify where the wind has been at work. And as always, pump the brakes and seek more sheltered slopes if you see shooting cracks or hear snow that sounds hollow like a drum.
(1/10/2023)
Blowing snow and sharp drifts along a ridgeline can help you anticipate wind-loaded features.
Photo: Andy Harrington