Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Recent Avalanches: We didn't get to Lost Lake this week and didn't get any reports of recent avalanches. The last large avalanches observed in the Seward area were on February 4 after the warm storm that came through.
Winds calmed into the single digits as of early this morning, and the avalanche danger decreases with time from the loading event. Strong north winds are forecast to increase into the 30s mph again early this afternon, which could rapidly increase the danger. If the wind remains calm, wind slabs in this area may be getting old by the time you get out there today. As time passes, they become more stubborn, which means you can get further out onto the slab before it releases. Or they may have stabilized already, it's impossible to know. Wind slabs form just under the ridgelines, in cross-loaded gullies and on steep rolls. Watch for shooting cracks, like the ones in this photo, which are a clear sign they have not stabilized and need more time.
Dry Loose Avalanches: The snow has remained cold for several days and dry loose avalanches could still occur in steep terrain. The wind today should keep the snow cool, but the sun is forecast to shine, which can trigger this type of avalanche naturally. Dry loose avalanches can sweep us off our feet in take us into places with consequences like trees and cliffs. Choose slopes with clear runouts to avoid these consequences.
(2/11/2026)
This small wind slab and cracking occurred on Wednesday. With today's wind forecast, look for shooting cracks as a sign the snow is unstable.
Photo: Mik Dalpes