Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
A wind slab is the most likely problem that could get us into trouble in the alpine today. The wind is still blowing and 2 to 5" of new snow could fall today, which is likely to create fresh wind slabs. These "pillows" of windblown snow are typically found below ridgelines and in gullies. A small test slope is a good way to see how the newly deposited snow is bonding to the old snow beneath.
These slabs could have different character since the wind has been blowing strong for several days with all of the new snow from the last few storms. There could be touchy fresh wind slabs 1' deep or less or there could be a more stubborn wind slab that could be up to 3' deep from older blowing snow. There is a smaller chance of triggering one of these stubborn and larger wind slabs, but these are the ones that might let you get way out onto the slope before releasing above you.
Wet loose: With temperatures cooling off, all the wet snow in the mid elevations should be freezing and locking up into a crust, which makes wet avalanches unlikely. If you find yourself in a place with wet snow there could be a chance you could trigger a wet loose avalanche. These avalanches can be difficult to escape so watch for trees, cliffs, or gullies that you might get carried into if you were to get caught.
Cornice Fall: With all this wind and new snow fresh cornices have likely formed in many places. Try to get a look at where cornices are on the approach and give them a wide margin as they can break back further than we expect. Especially as they firm up.
Rough guess at snowfall storm totals above 2,500' (7pm Tuesday to 6am Thursday):
Girdwood Valley: 18"Portage Valley: 20 to 40"Turnagain Pass: 8"Summit lake: 1" Seward/Lost Lake: 6 to 10" close to the coast in the upper elevations
(12/10/2024)
This photo of a wind blasted CFR ridge was taken on Tuesday just before the most recent storm arrived.
Photo: Andrew Schauer
