Central Sierra Nevada

Problèmes avalancheux

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpin
  • Limite forestière
  • Sous la limite forestière

  Probabilité

  Possible

  Taille

  1–2

  Yesterday's wind slabs will linger on open slopes, near ridges, in gullies, and on other wind-exposed terrain features. These slabs of wind-drifted snow easily broke away from the soft, light snow below them yesterday. In some places, last night's light to moderate NE winds may have scoured some snow away from these wind slabs and moved it to new aspects. In other places, those NE winds could have helped stiffen the existing wind slabs. Wind slab avalanches large enough to bury or injure people remain possible today, especially in places where more snow accumulated during the last 24 hours like the southern part of the forecast area.

  Shifting winds may make identifying where wind slabs exist more difficult, as some surfaces may have signs of scouring but still hold stiff wind slabs. These places may feel or sound hollow below the stiff snow. Cornices above a slope, snow drifts, and wind-created surface textures can also help indicate the presence of wind slabs. Carefully identifying where wind slabs may exist and moving around those areas can reduce your exposure to wind slab problems and wind-hammered snow surfaces. Terrain sheltered from the wind should also hold softer and more consistent snow.