Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
You can trigger an avalanche where new snow and strong winds formed cohesive slabs over weak layers. Avalanches will be larger on north to northeast through east slopes where winds drift snow into deeper slabs. Cracking in the snow surface is an obvious sign of instability and a good indication to move to lower angle terrain. You can find safer travel on slopes less than about 30 degrees.
Strong sunshine and warmer temperatures on Sunday increase the chances of loose wet avalanches. Avoid traveling on or under sunny slopes during the heat of the day and watch for pinwheels and rollerballs as an early warning sign of unstable snow.