Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 2–3
Strong winds are drifting snow into cohesive slabs near and above treeline. The most hazardous slopes face an easterly direction where you find firm wind-drifted snow over weak layers buried one to two feet deep. If you trigger an avalanche at the surface, it will likely step down to a buried weak layer, resulting in a large, wide avalanche. Multiple sets of tracks on a slope do not mean it is safe, and you could trigger an avalanche from a distance. You can find safer riding on lower-elevation slopes sheltered from the wind without a slab or on lower-angle slopes.