Wind Slabs
- Alpin
- Limite forestière
- Sous la limite forestière
- Probabilité
- Possible
- Taille
- 1.5–2.5
There is a chance a human could trigger a wind slab avalanche on steep wind loaded slopes. These could be anywhere from 1 to 3’ deep from moderate southwest winds (40+ mph gusts) that finally took a break on Monday afternoon as the storm made its final exit. In its wake, lighter winds are forecast today with west ridgetop winds ranging 10 to 20 mph.
They may be easier for a human to trigger at higher elevations where and can be found below ridges, convexities and in cross loaded gullies. Soft snow becoming stiffer and cracks shooting out from underneath you are clues that you are traveling on a wind slab. Slopes sheltered from the wind will be the safest place to chase soft snow.
Recent Avalanches: The storm produced some large avalanches in the Girdwood valley and Summit Lake. Snug Harbor, Lost Lake, and Seward likely had large avalanches from this intense storm. We are not sure how concerning the snowpack is in these areas since Snug Harbor has been opened. Keep this in mind if you head to these zones and send us an observation if you get a chance.
Dry Loose Avalanches: There is a good chance of triggering a dry loose avalanche on steep slopes. This problem could have higher consequences if carried into terrain traps and gullies where snow can pile up.
Cornice Falls: Cornices have likely grown in size during the storm. Try to avoid spending time under them as they can be a large trigger to slopes above you. If you find yourself on a ridge, give these some room as they can break under you.