Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Unlikely
- Tamaño
- 1–1.5
A trace to 2'' of new snow has fallen in isolated areas with this small overnight storm, mostly in the southern half of the forecast area. NE winds are in the gale force range and will transport any snow available in near and above treeline areas today. With the recent strong wind events we have had over the last week from multiple directions, most snow surfaces in wind exposed terrain are either scoured snow, firm crusts, or are down to dirt/rock. With limited amounts of snow available for transport, new wind slab formation will be limited. Small wind slabs could still form in areas that received new snow overnight or places with available snow to transport. Wind scoured terrain and melt freeze crusts are expected to remain firm throughout the day with little softening, even on sun exposed slopes.
If you are seeing blowing snow, snow surface scouring clues, and wind drifted snow-you are in an area where wind slabs could be forming. Gale force winds with near 0 degree wind chills will present travel concerns for today at upper elevations. Make sure to come up with a plan with your group suitable for the current conditions.