Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
You can trigger avalanches in fresh drifts of snow. The most dangerous slopes are at upper elevations, where you find 8 inches or more of drifted snow forming a slab. Look for and avoid fresh and firm lens-shaped drifts below ridgelines and cliffs, around rocky outcrops, and in gullies. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign that the new snow is stiffening and a good indication to avoid steep slopes.
Safer travel can be found at lower elevations out of the wind.