Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
The most dangerous slopes are those where winds are drifting snow. However, you could trigger an avalanche when you are not on the obvious wind-loaded pillow or from lower-angled slopes. If you trigger an avalanche in the surface snow, it is likely to step down to buried weak layers and perhaps the ground. Be careful on steep slopes below treeline, where you may find deep, unconsolidated snow above terrain traps. Here, a loose avalanche could knock you over.
You can find safer travel on slopes lower angled slopes or those sheltered from the wind at lower elevations.