Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–1.5
What and where is it: At the tops of steep gullies and on steep slopes above 5000 feet, you could find thicker slabs of soft, wind-drifted snow that are reactive to your weight. These are likely to be small in size, but have the potential to entrain a lot of snow. While this problem is largely non-existent at middle elevations, finding a soft wind slab is possible as you climb towards 5000 feet in elevation. Late tonight, watch for new slab formation on west-facing aspects as the winds shift direction and increase in speed.
How can you recognize it: Look for drifts that are thicker than about 12 inches with a stiffer layer of snow on top and a much softer layer of snow buried underneath. Use your hand, a pole, or a shovel to assess the size and sensitivity of wind-drifted snow before moving across it. Shooting cracks under your feet are a clear sign of an unstable snowpack. How can you manage it:Make continuous snow observations as you climb higher into steep terrain to recognize changes in the snowpack such as a stiffer snow surface with softer snow underneath. Travel in shallower new snow or on firm snow surfaces to reduce your risk of triggering a small avalanche.