Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Easterly ridgetop winds averaged just below 20 mph yesterday so there may be some lingering wind slabs out there. With lighter winds forecast today, there may not be blowing snow as a sign to show us where these pillows are located. They are typically just below the ridgelines, in cross loaded gullies, and on steep rolls. Feeling for firm snow over soft snow, jumping or riding on inconsequential slopes, and watching for shooting cracks will be the best ways to identify a wind slab that may still be sensitive the the weight of a person. Two days ago a skier was caught in a small wind slab avalanche on Kickstep Mountain. Check out those details here and thanks to those folks for sharing. The wind slabs that have been built since active weather arrived Friday are sitting on weak snow in some places from the last two weeks of calm weather. This may make them sensitive to the weight of a person for a longer period of time.
Be on the lookout for natural and human triggered loose avalanches today. Dry loose avalanches may be found in the upper elevations in areas sheltered from wind and wet loose avalanches can be found below 2,000' where warm temperatures and light rain have weakened the snow surface. These should be on the small side, but can have consequences if they end up taking us for a ride.
Glide Avalanches: We have noticed rumpled snow underneath many of the glide cracks that are out there. They are creeping downhill, disturbing the snow beneath, and with their unpredictable nature it's best to avoid spending any time underneath them.