Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Over two feet of snow has fallen in portions of this zone in the past 48 hours. New snow and moderate westerly wind has formed 2-3 feet thick wind-slabs in exposed, mainly mid and upper-elevation terrain. Additionally, the recent light-density snowfall has settled significantly in the past 24 hours. Relatively warm temperatures have sped up the process of slab formation which brings us to the concern about the potential for direct sunshine on slopes today. If the high February sun makes an appearance, it will weaken wind slabs and the settled storm snow, especially below about 9,000'. You'll also find that large wind slabs in the alpine remain reactive despite today's calm and clear weather. Don't be fooled by these conditions. Assess the snow carefully and consider the effects of the warmer weather on the snowpack.
A small wind slab that was tiggered yesterday during a period of increased wind. Expect similar, but potentially larger, avalanches in wind loaded terrain today.