Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
You can trigger an avalanche on many slopes facing west through north to southeast directions. You may encounter obvious signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing in the snow around your feet but don't let a lack of these unstable signs trick you into thinking a slope is safe. If you choose to travel through steep terrain facing these more dangerous directions pick smooth, planar slopes with no terrain traps such as a creek or a cliff below you that could magnify the consequences of triggering an avalanche. Safer travel options exist by sticking to south and southwest-facing slopes or avoiding traveling on or underneath slopes steeper than about 30 degrees.