Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Very Likely
- Size
- 2–3
Gale force SW winds and heavy snow today will pile more wind-blown snow on top of previously wind-loaded slopes. The largest wind slabs will lurk on open slopes or near ridges in near and above treeline terrain. Some of them could also form in lower elevation areas or tree-covered slopes that typically remain sheltered due to the strength of the winds. Wind slab avalanches that fail under the weight of the new snow or a cornice failure (natural triggers) will likely occur. If a person ventures onto a wind-loaded slope, they would be very likely to cause a wind slab avalanche. These avalanches could break several feet deep in wind-drifted snow and could run long distances into below treeline locations. Large fragile cornices that may break several feet away from their edges also exist above many wind-loaded slopes.
Blowing snow and poor visibility today make accidentally stumbling onto a dangerous wind-loaded slope or close to the edge of a cornice easier. If you do get out today, give yourself an even larger margin for error. Today is not a day for getting after it, today is a day to avoid all avalanche terrain.
