Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
You can trigger a large and dangerous avalanche on most slopes where thick slabs sit over weak snow buried near the ground. Above and near treeline, strong winds are drifting new snow on northeast to east through south-facing slopes. Near treeline, the snowpack is deeper, so if you trigger an avalanche it can grow large quickly and be very destructive. Safer travel options can be found on wind-sheltered slopes at lower elevations and by avoiding travel on or underneath slopes less than about 30 degrees.