Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
New snow and winds form fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. The most dangerous slopes face northwest to northeast through east, where winds load recent and new snow onto lee slopes. You could trigger avalanches in areas of wind-drifted snow, especially below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies.
Look for cracking in the drifted snow as a sign that the new snow is stiff enough to avalanche. For safer travel, head to wind-sheltered terrain.