Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
There is ample snow available for transport at middle and upper elevations, and the winds have been at work. We've had steady, strong winds for several days, keeping slopes at upper elevations primed for wind slab activity. This week, above 7,000 feet, some mountain locations have received 20-30 inches of snowfall. Our most recent storm (past 24 hours) delivered 10-12 inches of snow (1-1.5" SWE). Winds were gusting over 40 MPH yesterday, out of the W/SW. Today, winds have shifted out of the NW and will continue to gust 30-40 MPH.
Pay attention to red flags like active wind-loading, shooting cracks from your skis, board, or sled, recent avalanche activity, or collapsing or whumpfing. If you're seeing signs of instability, back off steep slopes and/or find a different aspect that is not wind-loaded. You can find more stable conditions in terrain away from steep, wind-loaded slopes (i.e., lower-angled, wind-sheltered slopes away from exposed ridgelines).
(12/23/2025)
North Bruin with plumes of snow from SW winds transporting recent storm snow
Photo: Kevin Studley