Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1
While isolated hard wind slabs may still exist on some wind-loaded slopes, observations and tests indicate that they are becoming increasingly difficult to trigger. The near and above treeline NW aspects represent the most likely places where these isolated wind slabs may still linger, but some may also exist on the few near and above treeline N-NE aspects that were not scoured by the NE/E winds. Triggering these wind slabs has become unlikely but not impossible for larger triggers or the right trigger in the right spot. In the unlikely event that a person does break one of these slabs loose, the slab would break above the person and all around them. Areas where these wind slabs still exist in steep complex terrain like chutes or steep rocky and cliffy slopes and unsupported slopes hold the best potential for an isolated unstable hard wind slab.
Any avalanche involving this problem could have large consequences due to the numerous obstacles that remain exposed or just barely buried. Avoid slopes where wind slabs may exist. Look for slopes with smooth, wind-sculpted surfaces, and avoid areas with any type of hollow sounding snow. Travelling in sheltered non-wind-affected terrain where softer snow still exists or on snow-covered sun-exposed terrain where spring-like conditions exist should provide safer and more enjoyable conditions today.