Storm Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Certain
- Size
- 2–3
This is a day to avoid the mountains altogether. Avalanches are very likely to certain on slopes 35 degrees or steeper. Very large avalanches could run from upper elevations to below treeline. Avalanches could be destructive and big enough to bury cars or break trees. Even if traveling on roads, stay far out from under any avalanche paths and do not stop or linger in runout zones. With the potent storm and current snowpack, we know there will be avalanches. We are uncertain exactly how big and destructive these slides will be.
Up to 4" of precipitation will fall as snow (roughly 40") above 4,000ft by late Thurdsay. Expect wet avalanches at lower elevations. Avalanches could run on older layers in the top 3 feet of the snowpack. Access and travel will be limited due to road closures. Impacts of avalanches could include low elevation terrain where avalanches are rarely a concern and roof avalanche hazards. Use caution around any large roofs holding snow, and make sure children and pets are not exposed to roof hazards.
(1/12/2021) An example from last season of the extent of natural storm slab avalanches we could expect. Rock Mountain, SE, 5400ft. Photo: Josh Hirshberg