Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

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

  Probabilidad

  Unlikely

  Tamaño

  2–2.5

  It's been over two weeks since the last large persistent slab avalanche occurred in this zone. Triggering a big slide on weak snow buried in February is unlikely but can't be completely ruled out. Before triggering an avalanche, you're unlikely to experience obvious signs of instability like snowpack cracking or collapsing. You are most likely to trigger a slide where:

  • The snowpack is relatively shallow - where the wind frequently blows, spots may exist where the slab is not uniformly thick
  • Any part of the slope you are on or connected to is steeper than about 35 degrees
  • The slope faces the northern 2/3 of the compass

  The eastern part of this zone has a thinner, weaker snowpack—and a better chance of triggering an avalanche—than the Smoky Mtns and Galena Summit area.

  

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

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

  Probabilidad

  Likely

  Tamaño

  1–2

  New snow and wind are forming storm slabs. These slabs will be thicker at upper elevations where snow totals, and wind speeds are greater. Anticipate thicker slabs on the northern half of the compass as the strongest winds blew from the SW-S-SE. Slabs formed over various potentially weak surfaces including facets and crust + facet combinations. Expect freshly formed slabs to be easy to trigger on steep slopes. Some may be triggered from lower angled terrain above, below or to the side of a steep slope. 

  New snow alone isn't a problem, but rapid settlement, wind stiffening, or drifting can quickly change the equation. Look for signs of wind loading, like fresh cornice growth and dunes or ripples in the snow surface. Feel for stiffer snow and watch for obvious signs of instability, like snowpack cracking or collapsing. You can always reduce your risk by sticking to lower-angled terrain and avoiding slopes that end in terrain traps like cliffs, trees, or creek bottoms.