Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Much of our alpine snowpack has been ravaged by one extreme wind event after another. None the less significant transport was observed along ridgetops throughout the range yesterday resulting from our recent Northerly flow, and while we do not expect the size of fresh deposits to be large, leeward catchment zones in the alpine may be holding panels of fresh and sensitive wind slab. Winds are expected to shift to the west today and remain within transportable speeds. Exposed areas and leeward catchment zones near and above treeline deserve elevated caution. This is particularly true on unsupported alpine slopes and in extreme terrain. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.