Avalanche Forecast

The storm slab is gaining strength, but this recent major storm event should give us pause, especially because all the new snow fell on a thin, early season snowpack. You may still be able to find that sweet spot where triggering a deep slab remains possible. Older, weak layers buried deep in the snowpack are a lingering concern, especially in areas further east in the zone. Use caution on convex slopes steeper than 35 degrees at upper elevations, and especially slopes that face the north half of the compass. Use snowpack tests to assess the bonding of layers within the snowpack. When in doubt, default to lower-angled terrain. Avalanches are unlikely near and below treeline where wet heavy snow has become firm and frozen with cooling temperatures.

Release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slab problems typically last between a few hours and few days. Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

You can reduce your risk from Storm Slabs by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps, such as timber, gullies, over cliffs, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side.

Storm slabs usually stabilize within a few days, and release at or below the trigger point. They exist throughout the terrain, and can be avoided by waiting for the storm snow to stabilize.