Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
Sunday's wind slab problem will depend on how much snow we get overnight. Even small amounts of snow (1-3 inches) can accumulate 3-5 times deeper in areas where the wind has been moving the snow and depositing it into a new area, such as below a ridge or at the top of a bowl. You will most likely find a wind slab problem at higher elevations and other open areas where the wind moves freely.
After Saturday's rain, the best riding on Sunday will likely be found in these areas of wind-deposited snow. Use small wind drifts as test pieces to check the depth and cohesion of the wind-transported snow. On the snow surface, look for signs like rippled, smooth, or firm texture, or cracking underneath your feet, all of which can indicate the presence of a wind slab.
If you're finding pockets of snow that are deeper than the top of your boots, that's a good reason to choose lower angle or less wind-loaded slopes.