Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Very Likely
- Tamaño
- 2
Sensitive new wind drifts have been created by the southwest winds from the few inches of storm snow. These soft wind drifted will be very reactive to a person or ski cuts on steep slopes, resulting in avalanches large enough to catch and carry a person. The drifts could be a foot or more deep at the higher elevations. On slopes with hard, slick sun crusted and wind hammered surfaces beneath the new snow, these slides could pick up steam and run further and faster than expected, with debris large enough to bury a person.
The drifts will become more widespread and deeper the higher you go in elevation, because there is more wind and snow. Avoid these slabs of wind drifted snow on steep slopes. Wind drifts are often rounded, smooth, and cracky. If you see a slope that’s been scoured or eroded, think about where the snow may have been deposited.
The large cornices have become a permanent part of the landscape, and today's winds are adding another layer to them. The old cornices will break back much further than expected, and the new cornices will be very sensitive today.
Mary Ellen gulch, Nason photo.