Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1–1.5
Roughly two feet of cold, dry snow is available for transport and moderate winds continued overnight. This new snow is likely sitting on rough ground in most places, but could support a stiff windslab at the surface in isolated terrain. Should you plan to travel to high, exposed ridgelines use caution on the steep slopes below and watch for drifts, pillows and cornice formation. Snow depths suddenly increasing or decreasing is another clue that winds have been moving snow. Avoid these slopes if you see cracking or feel strong over weak snow with your pole or probe.
A small test slope in the Southern Wallowas. This degree of cracking is a guarantee that larger windslabs have formed.
Photo: Caleb Merrill