Salt River and Wyoming Ranges

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Likely

  Tamaño

  1–2

  Incremental loading of recent snow over the last week (since Feb 3rd) has formed soft slabs 2-3 feet deep. These slabs lie on a variety of poor interfaces and are slowly adjusting to the old snow surfaces. Even though we haven’t seen much activity, there is a possible to likely chance of triggering an avalanche. Due to the potential large size of these avalanches, remain suspicious of this recent snow (especially N/NE facing slopes). Performing simple hand shear tests is a great strategy to assess how the recent snow is bonding. Extended column tests provide even more data and help you gain insight into the character of the slab firmness and old snow interface. 

  Wind slabs can also be found isolated on W-SE aspects primarily above 9000’. Areas where you find wind drifted snow will be deeper and more sensitive to triggering. Look for signs of wind drifted snow such as distinct hardness changes, large pillows/drifts, and altered snow surface texture.

  

• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1.5–3

  Above 7500’ hard slabs 3-5 feet deep lie above weak snow formed in December. Although the likelihood of triggering is decreasing, the possibility remains. Recent snow has added stress to these weak layers. Triggering a deep slab avalanche is most likely where the overlying slab is thin and riders can impact the weak layer. Any terrain with an overall shallow snowpack is concerning including very steep, convex, rocky and heavily wind affected slopes. Avalanches involving new snow could step down to these deeper layers in steep and sustained terrain.