Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
Wind speeds picked up dramatically in the late afternoon hours yesterday and notable wind transport was observed throughout the forecast area. Winds are expected to continue out of the southwest at strong to extreme speeds today. As of 6 am up to 5” of new snow has been recorded within the forecast area with the Mammoth area receiving the bulk of this new precipitation. An additional 2-5” is likely during daylight hours today and we can expect the size and distribution of fresh sensitive wind slabs to grow substantially. Remember, strong winds can distribute snow in unexpected ways. Don’t be surprised to find wind deposits at lower elevations and further down slopes than you may typically expect to find them. Today’s strong winds promise to impact terrain at lower elevations, and it may be possible to see wind slab development below treeline and in areas typically thought of as sheltered. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. Blowing snow, recent cornice growth, drifting, stiff hollow feeling upside-down snow, and textured, uneven snow surfaces are all signs of recent wind transport. Use these signs to identify and avoid slopes with recent wind deposits.