Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Although we're only expecting two or three inches of snow in the Newberry zone, strong to moderate overnight wind speeds will be moving that new snow around quite a bit. Wind deposited snow can stack up to 3–5 times the amount that fell from the sky. Additionally, there is still snow available for transport from earlier in the week, so don't let your guard down just because you only see a few inches of new snow in the forecast.
With a wind slab avalanche problem, there is a lot of information you can gather while you're traveling through the terrain. Pay attention to the wind speed, which direction it's coming from, and whether you see snow getting moved around – especially in open areas around and below ridge tops.
Wind slabs can still be reactive once the winds die down. Look for rippled or smooth pillowy texture on the snow surface and snow drifts as additional clues.
Most of these wind slabs will be small. However, use extra caution around steep, open bowl features that can catch a lot of blowing snow. Since we'll have strong overnight winds, you may find wind deposited snow in unexpected areas, such as in lower elevation terrain and "in the trees".
If in doubt, stick to wind-sheltered or low angle terrain on Saturday.