Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 2.5–3.5
Strong winds are drifting new snow into cohesive slabs creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Though the storm underproduced, you still run the risk of triggering a slide in the new snow that can step down into deeper layers. You can trigger a deeper slide from thinner spots in the snowpack that are now obscured by freshly drifted snow. Strong winds may have loaded snow further down on the slope so watch for and avoid wind-drifted areas. These can be identified by their smooth, bulbous appearance. Lower-angle slopes and wind-sheltered terrain offer safer travel options.