Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  2

  You could trigger a 1-3 ft thick persistent slab avalanche on buried weak layers (sugary facets, surface hoar, and crust + facet combinations). This problem is worst on middle and upper elevation slopes facing NW-N-NE-E. 

  While the odds are low, the consequences of triggering one of these dense, thick slabs are severe. Don't expect obvious signs of instability. In low probability/high consequence situations like this, there's a good chance the first sign of instability you'll see is the avalanche you trigger. 

  Persistent slabs can fail unpredictably and break wider and higher on slopes than you might expect. Avoiding avalanche terrain is the only surefire way to manage this problem. Short of that, you can reduce your risk by avoiding large avalanche paths and those with ugly consequences if you are caught in a slide.

  

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1–2

  New snow and strong W-NW winds will continue to build drifts and slabs at upper elevations. Look for this problem near and just below exposed ridgelines and along cross-loaded mid-slope gullies. Recent cornice growth, pillows, and dunes are all clues that wind was at work moving snow.  Cracking and collapsing are sure indications that you've found a sensitive slab. You can reduce your odds of triggering a wind slab by sticking to more wind-sheltered slopes with soft powder at the surface.

  If the mountains receive the upper end of the forecasted totals (about 6 inches), be on the lookout for wind slabs forming in exposed middle elevation terrain as the storm progresses later in the day.