Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Winds slabs up to 1’ deep will be the main concern to watch out for today above 2,500’. Southeast winds gusting 30 mph should decrease in the late morning. This means that wind slabs could be easier to trigger and may still be forming in the alpine. Blowing snow actively loading slopes is a good clue that wind slabs are forming. It is also likely that these wind slabs will be sitting over weak faceted snow that has been forming on the surface. When this happens wind slabs tend to be easier to trigger for longer and may produce larger than expected avalanches.
Wind slabs are typically found below ridge lines, on convex rolls, or in loaded gullies. Stiff snow over loose snow, and shooting cracks underneath you are clues you are traveling on a wind slab. Trying to trigger wind slabs on small inconsequential slopes is an excellent way to test the stability of the snow. Safer snow can be found on wind sheltered slopes.
(2/10/2025)
Clouds flagging off of Wrong Mtn which generally means winds are blowing snow into fresh wind slabs.
Photo: Daniel Krueger