Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
You can trigger large and wide avalanches that break on a weak layer buried two to three feet deep. You can trigger this layer from a distance and from below. Where winds have drifted new snow into pillows this layer will be even more sensitive. If you trigger an avalanche in the surface snow it will likely step down to the buried weak layers. Avoid steep northerly and easterly slopes. You can find safer riding on southerly slopes sheltered from the wind after checking there is no weak layer and no cracking in the storm snow.