Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
New snow along with strong ridgeline winds should create fresh new wind slabs. Mountains in the western half of the zone could gain upwards of a foot of new snow, with less further east. In these areas wind slabs could be thicker, larger, and more dangerous. Look for signs of recent and active wind transport as you gain elevation, especialy as you near ridgelines and cornices. Look and feel for stiffer, cohesive snow. Heed signs of instability such as long shooting cracks and other recent avalanches if you see them. Be wary of steep slopes below cornices, off ridgelines, and near rocks and cliffs.
Below treeline and outside of wind affected areas, you might still be able to trigger avalanches in the new storm snow, but they're likely to be soft and small.
Active wind transport is a sign that windslabs could be forming.
Photo: Joe Dellaporta