Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
You can trigger a small avalanche in wind-drifted snow on steep easterly and south-facing slopes above treeline. Wind-drifted snow can appear pillowy or lens-shaped and is found below ridgelines and in cross-loaded terrain features, like gullies or couloirs. If you experience cracking or hollow-sounding firm snow, you should move to wind-sheltered terrain at lower elevations for safer travel.