Storm Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1
- Today people might trigger shallow slab avalanches of wind drifted snow in exposed upper elevation terrain. Drifting from west winds last week formed wind slabs capping weak faceted snow. More drifting occurred with last night's storm, creating new drifts. These and some of the older drifts may be sensitive to human triggering. Avoid drifted snow at upper elevations on the lee side of major ridges and in and around terrain features like sub-ridges, gullies, and cliff bands.
- Loose avalanches (or sluffs) of powder and recrystallized or faceted surface snow are possible in sheltered terrain, on very steep and sustained slopes. Manage loose avalanches by staying out of constricting terrain, like drainage gullies, and moving out of the fall line so you don't get caught by your own sluff. Avoid being caught and pulled into terrain traps below you like trees, gullies, or benches.