Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
You could trigger an avalanche where you find wind-drifted snow forming a thick slab over weak layers on steep and shady slopes. The most likely place to find this problem is steep open slopes at upper elevations with connected coverage.
A marginal overnight freeze, clear skies, and warm daytime temperatures increase the chance of wet snow avalanches. Wet avalanches often release below rocks or cliffs and gain mass as they move downhill. Avoid this problem by starting and ending your day early and avoiding travelling on or below steep sunny slopes if you find yourself sinking into rapidly warming, moist snow.