Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–1.5
Ten inches of dry snow has allowed consistently moderate south and southeast winds to form drifts on leeward aspects and cross-load southern aspects near and above treeline. The snowfall will taper off this morning. However, the avalanche danger won’t be so quick to decrease. As the day advances, winds shifting to the west and northwest will continue to load slopes, increasing the sensitivity and distribution of this problem. Near treeline, avalanches could be more likely due to a pre-existing buried surface crust for new snow to slide on.
Careful snowpack evaluation is necessary. Drifts could present from hard to soft or thin to thick. Hard snow above soft snow, pillow like snow appearances, and wind ripples are all evidence of wind loading. Feel for firm bed surfaces beneath the snow as you travel, and use inconsequential test slopes to gain an idea of what conditions are like on similar aspects. Adjusting travel plans to snow instabilities and using conservative decision-making, like only exposing one rider at a time, will aid in a safe backcountry mission today.
(1/2/2024)
Multiple shooting cracks near treeline
Photo: Casey Glaubman