Persistent Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Triggering a dangerous avalanche involving buried weak layers is likely today in steep terrain above 30°. Weak snow that formed in early December is now buried 1-2 feet deep in many locations and up to 4 feet deep in wind-loaded upper elevation terrain. Avalanches involving these weak layers have been reported on most aspects at all elevations. Obvious signs of instability may not be present prior to triggering a persistent slab avalanche. These avalanches can be triggered remotely from below and propagate long distances across slopes making escape difficult. Remote triggers were reported as recently as yesterday.
It is important to carefully evaluate your travel plan when avalanches are behaving like this. Avoid traveling under steep terrain. Also, give tight gullies and other terrain traps a wide margin. The consequences of triggering even a small avalanche can be serious in these features. Persistent slab problems take time to heal. For the time being, riding low angle terrain that is less than 30° with no significant overhead hazard is the best way to avoid this problem.
Recent observations and avalanche reports from Togwotee Pass can be found here.
A remotely triggered persistent slab avalanche that occurred yesterday in Carmichael Creek. SW facing @ 7300'
1/4/2025