Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
Westerly and southwesterly winds will drift snow. The most dangerous slopes face north to east through south, but changing wind directions could cross-load other aspects. With strong gusty winds and potential bursts of snow, expect conditions and loading patterns to change rapidly through the day. Avoid slopes steeper than about 35 degrees where you find more than about a foot of freshly deposited snow. Cracking in the new snow is a sign to move to lower-angle slopes or wind-sheltered terrain.