Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–1.5
You can trigger a small avalanche in drifted snow. Look for and avoid drifted pillows of snow on steep slopes at upper elevations, especially just below ridges. These will mostly be on north to east through south-facing slopes. Shooting cracks in drifted snow are a clear sign of instability. Stick to slopes less than about 35 degrees or slopes sheltered from the wind if you observe unstable snow.
You should expect a rapid increase in avalanche danger as a potent winter storm brings heavy snow beginning on Monday night.