Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
As you move about in the backcountry , contemplating what's in store for 2025, consider where in the terrain you might pry a wind slab avalanche loose on Wednesday. Use caution near and below ridgelines where winds have recently drifted snow over the last few days, especially at upper elevations or more exposed areas at middle elevations. At least one sizeable wind slab avalanche was observed in the neighboring West North on Tuesday (info below). Use caution anywhere even a small avalanche could cause harm, like near cliff bands and gullies. A few larger, firmer, and older wind slabs could still linger in bigger terrain at upper elevations. While these are unlikely, you should consider the consequences before stepping out onto larger more open slopes. You could also find larger, fresh wind slabs in part of the zone that received more snowfall Monday and Monday night due to a Puget Sound Convergence zone.
While we're mostly talking in terms of older wind slabs, if the winds are stronger than forecast overnight, shallow new wind slabs may form and could be easier to trigger than anticipated. Look for signs of freshly drifted snow and/or blowing snow along ridgelines as well as shooting cracks as you travel, all signs that you could trigger a wind slab avalanche on similar slopes.
(12/31/2024)
Slab avalanche triggered with an intentional cornice drop, N side of Mt Herman. Overhanging cornices visible to the left of the crown.
Photo: Liza Kimberly