Sawtooth & Western Smoky Mtns

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1–1.5

  What and where is it? Forecasted snowfall and wind could form isolated, thin wind slabs up to a foot thick in exposed terrain this afternoon and evening. You are most likely to find slabs on exposed slopes that faces the eastern half of the compass, after at least 2-3" of new snow falls. 

  How do we recognize and manage it? Where more than a couple inches of snow accumulates, watch for slabs beneath corniced ridgelines, on the sides and bottoms of large gullies, chutes, and couloirs, and below large cliff faces. You will be able to feel stiffer new snow where slabs exist. The fresh slabs could be easy to trigger where they overlie hard ice crusts or wind-hammered surfaces. While small, these avalanches could knock you off your feet or push you where you don't want to go. 

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Unlikely

  Tamaño

  1–1.5

  If / where the fickle spring weather does not produce cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and breezy wind, you may be able to trigger small Wet Loose avalanches. These are most likely on very steep, wind-protected slopes while they bask in unobstructed sunshine. Although slow-moving, these avalanches are surprisingly powerful and difficult to escape. 

  If you are sinking into a wet, unsupportable snowpack, you can either move to cooler slopes with more shade / wind or seek out gentler terrain. The threat of wet avalanches should decrease this afternoon.