Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Avalanches that you trigger can break into weak layers buried two to four feet deep, producing large and deadly avalanches on most slopes. The most dangerous slopes face an easterly direction where strong winds drift snow below ridgelines. If you trigger an avalanche on these slopes, they could break wider and further than anticipated. Do not let your guard down on other slopes, though. If you see smooth pillows of snow, feel hollow snow underneath you, or see cracking and collapsing, you found a problematic slope. Stick to slopes less than about 30 degrees for safer travel options that are not connected to larger, steep slopes above.