Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
New snow and easterly winds will form fresh snow drifts at upper elevations. You could trigger avalanches in wind-drifted snow on steep slopes, especially below ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies.
Look for cracking in the drifted snow as a sign that the new snow is stiff enough to avalanche. Head to wind-sheltered terrain or slopes less than 35 degrees in steepness for safer travel.