Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 2–3
Moderate winds have drifted recent snow onto a sensitive snowpack. The most dangerous slopes face easterly where the winds have built a cohesive slab resting over weak layers buried up to 2.5 feet deep. A slide that fails on these weak layers could step down to the weak layers near the ground. If you trigger one of these slides it would have dire consequences. You can find safer travel options by sticking to wind-sheltered terrain and slopes less than about 30 degrees. Continue to avoid steep slopes with terrain traps such as a creek or cliff below you.