Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
We're expecting another 5-10" of additional snow to fall Sunday night through Monday. Although winds are gradually easing, they remaining strong enough to transport fresh and recent snow, near and particularly above treeline. The recent snow (4" at Mt Hood Meadows Base, more likely higher up) fell with a favorable density profile and has likely bonded well to the crusts present prior to the storm. However, 24 hours of strong wind transport destabilizes the storm snow and avalanches can run on the crust. Active drifting, snow surface texture, and cracking as you travel present visual alerts about the problem. You can also feel hollow or punchy snow with your pole. Once you enter wind-affected terrain, avoid all wind-loaded slopes greater than 35 degrees.
Example: Cracking of stiff wind slabs.
Photo: Joe Dellaporta