Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1
Avoid isolated wind slabs formed by drifting from elevated westerly winds on Saturday. You'll likely find stiff drifts in upper elevation easterly terrain and in and around terrain features. Stiff wind slabs formed on slopes plagued by very weak and loose faceted snow.
- Cracking and collapsing or "whumpfs" are red flags, indicating unstable snow.
- Listen for a hollow, drum-like sound underfoot, a telltale sign of drifted snow.
- A ride in even a small avalanche can have serious consequences.