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 north, northeast, and east-facing slopes near and above the treeline as well as some southeast-facing slopes above the treeline. The most dangerous areas are steep, smooth slopes where you find wind-drifted snow such as the lee side of a ridgeline or in a northeast-facing bowl. Here, a strong, cohesive slab of snow rests on top of old, weak snow near the ground. If you are traveling on these aspects of concern stick to lower elevations or slopes less than about 30 degrees steep without similarly steep slopes overhead to reduce your chances of being caught in an avalanche.