Wind Slabs
- Alpin
- Limite forestière
- Sous la limite forestière
- Probabilité
- Possible
- Taille
- 1–1.5
If you see plumes of drifting snow, feel harder drum-like now sitting above softer snow, or observe dune-like formations these are all clues that a wind slab has formed or is forming. These fresh slabs will be sitting above the slick rain crust from last week and will be sensitive to the weight of a rider on steep slopes. The best recommendation is to stick to sheltered terrain, or slopes without the presence of a wind slab to find safer and more enjoyable riding conditions.
(3/9/2022)
Gusty NW winds on 3/9 were scouring upper north-facing terrain and depositing snow onto southerly aspects near ridgeline creating reactive wind slabs. Watch for pockets of wind slab on the leeward side of ribs and gullies mid-slope.
Photo: M. Hatch