Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
What and where is it:
The most likely place to find an old wind slab is on north-facing and east-facing slopes that are more sheltered from the wind on steep snow covered slopes. These old wind slabs have been found to be firm, stubborn, and up to1 foot thick, but still have the potential to slide on the slick old snow surface underneath them.
New snow in the afternoon coupled with west winds may begin to build new wind slabs on easterly aspects. These slabs are likely to be small, but more reactive and softer in structure as they may be actively forming.
How can you recognize it:
Early in the day, identifying snow drifts will be easy as the bright white snow will be in contrast with the firm gray old snow surface. As you begin to move through the snow, be cautious of drifts that are deeper than the tops of your boots. Use your hand, a pole, or a shovel to dig down to the icy old snow surface to assess the thickness and sensitivity of new wind slabs. Later in the day lookout for new snow accumulating and blowing at ridgelines for signs of new wind slab development.
How can you manage it:
Visual identification is your best tool and continue to make frequent snowpack observations. Traveling on the hard, old snow surface can help to avoid the risk of triggering a wind slab. Remember that snow lower in the terrain may not be representative of the snow above you, even in the same gully or terrain feature.