Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 2–3
This is the kind of avalanche you can trigger on slopes that face northwest through north to east. You might be able to trigger it from long distances away, so be aware of steep slopes overhead and other parties nearby. Seeing tracks on a slope does not mean it is safe, as you might be able to travel across a slope dozens of times before finding the shallow spot and triggering a destructive avalanche that breaks wider than you expect. The easiest way to reduce your chances of being caught in one of these avalanches is to avoid travel on or under steep slopes facing these aspects of concern. If you choose to travel in avalanche terrain facing these directions, choose slopes with no terrain traps such as a cliff or gully below you and expose one person at a time.
If you notice wet snow, rollerballs, and small natural loose avalanches on south-facing slopes, consider moving to another slope or sticking to lower-angle slopes to avoid being caught in any small wet avalanches.