Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–1.5
Avoid slopes with rounded, wind-drifted snow pillows. Steep terrain where you find more than about 8 inches of drifted snow are where you could trigger a dangerous avalanche. Avoid steep slopes if you find cracking and collapsing.
As the day warms and skies clear, snow will shed from southerly aspects. If you see roller balls or small point release avalanches, head to slopes with cooler snow.
You can find safer travel on slopes not affected by the wind and on lower-angled slopes.