Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1
Half an inch of new snow was recorded only around Mammoth yesterday, and again like yesterday there is a small possibility of up to 1-2” of new snowfall by late this afternoon. SW winds have been blowing consistently at all elevations and will continue blowing thru today and tomorrow with gusts up to 50mph. In areas with noticeable new snowfall, be on the lookout for isolated small dense wind deposits that could be sensitive to a human trigger. Steep leeward slopes below ridgelines and sidewalls of gullies are the most likely places that a concerning wind slab could be found. While small, triggering one could knock you off your feet and result in a bad fall in consequential terrain.
Wind slab avalanche danger will increase dramatically overnight with snowfall being more certain and 3-10” possible before day-break. Natural avalanches will become possible, and human triggered avalanches likely.