Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
The winds have remained lighter than the usual Sierra storm winds, but they are still strong enough to transport this storm's cold, light snow. Human-triggered cracking and small wind slabs started to occur yesterday afternoon, indicating poor bonding between the old snow surfaces and the new snow. The slabs of wind-blown snow grew in size and distribution during the night as more snow fell. Human-triggered wind slab avalanches large enough to bury or injure a person will be likely today. Wind slabs will most likely exist on open slopes, on the downwind side of ridges, in gullies, and near other wind-exposed terrain features. Fragile cornices may also lurk above some of these wind-loaded slopes.
Recent avalanches, snow surface cracking, blowing snow, cornices, drifted snow, and snow surface texture can all help identify where unstable wind slabs may exist. Due to the lighter winds, some of the clues may not be as clear as they often are, so giving yourself larger buffers around any terrain that might be wind-loaded makes sense. Traveling in areas sheltered from the wind can reduce the chance of triggering a wind slab and increase your chances of finding softer, more consistent snow.
(3/29/2024)
This small wind slab failed when the cornice above it fell onto the slope yesterday afternoon. Wind slabs could be larger today due to more snow and wind last night.
