Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
An active weather pattern keeps bringing in minor shots of rain/snow and wind. The incremental additions have increased the snowpack by about 6" since 1/5. Moderate (and frequently SE) winds have drifted the snow onto a variety of aspects. With one shot of moisture decreasing Saturday evening and another arriving on Sunday, it's essential to adjust to what the weather gives us during this difficult weather forecasting pattern. You'll probably find wet, sticky snow with minimal slab danger below 4500 ft. But as you travel toward ridgelines, note the character of the snow and use frequent small, convex, or wind-loaded test slopes to note the character of the slabs. If the snow becomes drier, expect the size of drifts to increase. Move into more sheltered areas or steer around steep slopes as you approach ridgelines or move into more widespread wind-affected snow above treeline. Wind lips and cornices grow in the direction of wind deposition. Scoured windward slopes make for safer travel and help you anticipate where the snow has been transport (on the opposite side of the ridge). Steer around wind-loaded pillows and start zones steeper than 35 degrees.
(1/6/2023)
Current sculpture garden of wind lips and cornices.
Photo: Kaitlin