Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Strong west-southwest and south-southwest winds have recently transported snow to leeward slopes and terrain features, maintaining the moderate avalanche danger. This month, backcountry travelers have triggered several wind slab avalanches; we have been fortunate that these events have occurred on small test slopes or remotely and did not catch or carry any backcountry travelers. Backcountry travelers should carefully assess or avoid loaded starting zones, wind drifts, mounds of snow, pillowed areas, and cornices while traveling in avalanche terrain. One way to assess these instabilities is through small and inconsequential test slopes, which can be invaluable in assessing the reactivity of wind slabs on specific aspects and around terrain features.
Moreover, it is imperative for travelers to consistently employ appropriate travel techniques aimed at minimizing risks to themselves, their party, and other individuals in the vicinity. These measures include only exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain while skiing and while egressing. Likewise, skin tracks and egress routes should aim to utilize local terrain features to minimize the likelihood of triggering an avalanche.
(3/28/2024)
Current conditions within the Humphreys Cirque. Note the snow transport occurring on the ridgeline and filled-in tracks in the middle of the image that were from the previous day.
Photo: Blair Foust