Persistent Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 2
It's becoming less likely to trigger an avalanche with each passing day but poor snowpack structure, comprised of a dense slab over weak, faceted snow remains. The faceted weak layer is showing signs of gaining strength, meaning that it's becoming more dense, and stability tests performed near treeline and below are non-reactive. This, plus the time that has expired since the last loading event and subsequent avalanche cycle, indicate growing stability.
Nevertheless, this classic combination of dense slab, over weaker, faceted snow, is very difficult for avalanche forecasters to trust. So how do we handle it? We either continue to avoid avalanche terrain altogether, or we dip our toes into it. We definitely avoid areas of steep, rocky, radical, and wind affected terrain. We don't just center punch the biggest lines. We choose moderately steep, planar slopes less than 35 degrees, and we avoid likely trigger points such as steep convexities, or shallow points along slope margins and near rock outcrops. We remind ourselves that it's early season, that avalanches are still possible, and we proceed with great caution.
