Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 2
Winds have remained elevated out of the NW for several days and we have observed recently deposited slabs of wind-drifted snow on many slopes above treeline. On Tuesday, we observed continued blowing and drifting snow. Some of these drifts are 18-24" deep and can be found around the compass, even on the Southerly aspects. Southerly aspects have been top-loaded, while Northerly aspects have been cross-loaded. Sustained Northwest winds are somewhat abnormal for the La Sals, and expect to find drifts in unusual places. The bulls-eye location for this problem seems to be NE-E-SE.
A note about near-treeline terrain: recent wind-drifted snow is not widespread near the treeline, but some of our near-treeline terrain behaves like alpine terrain, meaning it is subjected to the same loading patterns. If you are getting into big, steep, open slopes near the treeline, continue to be on the lookout for wind-drifted snow.
In the photo below, you can see some wind-loaded slopes in the background behind the skier. The skier is using a subtle aspect change to avoid the wind drifts. Aspect is key right now.