Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Unlikely
- Tamaño
- 1–1.5
We are finally getting a break from the NE winds today, but they will return tomorrow. Ridgetop winds are forecast to shift to the W today, changing the distribution pattern of blowing and drifting snow. Yesterday's strong NE winds were observed to continue to drift snow in several locations around the forecast area, but problematic new wind slab formation was not observed.
As winds shift to the W and increase in speed today, some blowing and drifting snow is expected. This will slightly fill in new areas that were previously scoured over the past several days. Expect to encounter stiff slabs of wind-blown snow on a variety of aspects near ridgetops, in gullies, and near other wind-exposed terrain features.
For the most part, stiff wind slabs that formed over the last few days have had time to stabilize. Isolated areas of unstable snow may linger, or new ones may form today, especially in and around various forms of complex terrain including chutes, couloirs, and cliff areas. Any avalanches that are triggered by backcountry travelers today are expected to be small, with much of the consequences coming from being carried into or over down slope hazards such as rocks, trees, or cliffs.
Clues exist to help identify where unstable wind slabs may linger. These include blowing snow, new cornices, deposits of wind-drifted snow, stiff wind-packed snow, and lightly rippled snow surfaces. Look for cracking in wind-blown snow as a sign of unstable wind slabs in the immediate area.
Expect to see more blowing and drifting snow today, with very little in the way of new wind slab formation.
Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center from 01/07/2025, Tragedy Springs area, CA