Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1
Wind slabs should have become more difficult to trigger in most places. However, some human-triggered wind slab avalanches may remain possible on specific terrain features in near and above treeline terrain on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. Steep complex terrain including couloirs/gullies, cliffy areas, unsupported slopes, and areas with convex slopes represent some places where finding an unstable wind slab may be possible. Some scouring and light wind transport may have occurred from last night's E-NE winds but any wind slabs formed by these short-lived winds should remain small and isolated. Large fragile cornices that could break far from their edges also exist above many wind-loaded slopes.
Cornices above a slope, wind drifts/pillows, ripples on the snow surface, and other wind created textures can offer clues to help identify where wind slabs may exist. Less wind-exposed and/or lower angle terrain should hold softer less variable snow.