Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Early yesterday, strong southwest wind built wind slabs above 8,500'. Forecasters in the Snake River canyon observed shooting cracks in these wind slabs which were up to a foot thick. The slabs were firm and carried the cracks a long distance which indicates that wind slabs could break widely and possibly up slope, above the trigger point. These slabs sit on a crust or firm settled snow depending upon the aspect and though they did not run easily or fast yesterday, it is possible that they could still slide on steep slopes over 35 degrees. New snow that fell overnight has covered these wind slabs and potentially hidden the typical obvious signs of wind affect so you'lll need to assess slopes and snow carefully. Assume that pillows and wind whales exist below ridgetops, beneath cliffs and in lee terrain features. Wind will continue to build slabs in exposed areas with the 2-4" of new snow falling today on moderate southwesterly wind. The new slabs may be easier to trigger and could involve the older snow making for thicker wind slab.