Storm Slabs
- Alpin
- Limite forestière
- Sous la limite forestière
- Probabilité
- Possible
- Taille
- 1–2
Soft Slab avalanches are a potential risk in specific areas. Recent storms have deposited over a foot of moist snow. Above 5000 feet, the snow becomes dryer, deeper, and less cohesive with increasing elevation. The recent Storm Slab now rests on a supportable crust formed on February 3rd. In our observations yesterday, we noted that the Storm Slab exhibited resistance to failure at higher elevations. However, it appeared more cohesive and reactive at mid-elevations, particularly where the slab is wetter and denser.
As you navigate the terrain today, be vigilant and identify features of concern. Areas to avoid include unsupported slopes below rock outcroppings, terrain traps, and steep convex rollovers. Our findings from yesterday indicate that slopes exceeding 35 degrees were particularly prone to triggering the Storm Slab, with consistent failures observed on steep test slopes. Exercise caution and stay alert to red flags during your travels.
(2/12/2024)
Jeff Thompson navagating quickly through a terrain trap with the recent storm snow.Terrain traps can amplify the consequences of getting caught in an avalanche, either by increasing the burial depth or by making escape much harder. Evaluate the hazzard carefuly when encountering them during travel.
Photo: Brian Hilland