Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1–1.5
What and where is it: Although recently formed wind slabs were warmed and settled by yesterday’s spring solar radiation, and despite persistently cold air temperatures, wind slabs on northerly aspects likely remained colder, drier and potentially more sensitive to a human trigger. These slabs are likely to be thin, less than 1 foot thick and unlikely to fill the slide path.
How can you recognize it: You’ll be able to identify the new slabs from the old surface visually. Look for clean, smooth snow in contrast to the dull old snow surface. Watch out for slabs deeper than boot-top, which remain soft and dry to the touch. Slabs affected by solar radiation will be dense and uniform in structure.
How can you manage it: On cold aspects, identify and evaluate both the potential size of an avalanche and the consequences should a slide occur. Or, choose aspects warmed by the sun to reduce the chances of triggering an avalanche.