Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
It will be easiest to trigger avalanches above treeline. Avoid leeward and wind-loaded slopes immediately below ridgelines and cliffs. If you're on a ridge, give cornices a large berth as they can break further back than expected. Stay well out from under cornices that loom overhead and refrain from stopping where a falling cornice could hit you. Expect active wind loading and plumes of blowing snow to indicate which slopes will be forming fresh slabs. Winds should be out of the east and may be stronger than on previous days.
You may see dry loose avalanches on very steep slopes and in wind-sheltered terrain. If you see fast-running point releases, use caution near terrain traps like rocks, gullies, and cliffs.
(2/17/2023) An example of wind-transported snow forming slabs on the left side of a ridge. Photo: Drew Lovell