Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Friday, we observed S/SW winds building fresh wind slabs onto north-facing slopes. Wind slabs could be anywhere from 6-16" thick depending on aspect and elevation. Wind slabs will be thickest and most sensitive on NW, N, and NE-facing terrain above 7500', especially near and below ridgelines. Local terrain features can alter prevailing wind directions and cross-load slopes from different directions. Be attentive for wind slabs on east through west-facing slopes above 7000', on the north side of the compass.
Watch for clues like dunes, drifts, and textured snow. If you notice a change from soft and powdery to thick and "slabby", you're entering wind slab territory.
Additional Discussion: 6-10" of soft, powdery snow exists across most terrain that hasn't been heavily impacted by sun or wind. In steep terrain, where the snow is soft and light, you could get small, dry loose avalanches (sluff) moving with you. These small sluffs could have big consequences in steep, exposed, terrain with rocks and trees. Manage your terrain to avoid exposure if you're seeing dry loose snow avalanches.