Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Southeast winds have hammered the forecast region over the past 24 hours, transporting large amounts of snow. Today, the snowpack will undergo additional change and loading from both wind and new snow. A cold-to-warm storm trend will deposit denser snow over lighter snow, creating an upside-down snowpack structure. This additional load may push stability toward a more reactive and potentially dangerous state.
Wind slabs ranging from several inches to multiple feet deep are possible to trigger and may release naturally on leeward south, west, and north aspects near and above treeline. Small, isolated drifts may form in exposed areas below treeline. Slopes holding wind-stiffened surfaces that appear lens-shaped and sit below ridgelines, rollovers, and rock outcrops should be avoided or carefully assessed and managed. Shooting cracks, recent avalanches, and active blowing snow are clear signs to change aspects or choose mellower terrain. Windward and scoured slopes will generally offer the safest travel conditions.
Storm slabs may develop if more than 6 inches of new snow accumulates. Monitor new snow totals and surface cohesion as you travel. Use small, inconsequential test slopes to evaluate the snow’s stability.