Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Unlikely
- Dimensione
- 1
What and where is it: Three day old small, hard wind slabs on primarily east, southeast and south aspects may remain sensitive to a human trigger due to cold temperatures. The most likely areas to find these slabs will be in wind sheltered areas where they were protected from the recent strong northwest winds.
How can you recognize it: The chalky-smooth appearance of many snow surfaces across the ravine is visually consistent, making it difficult to identify these reactive pockets by sight alone. Convex, smooth surfaces are a good clue. Because you may not observe shooting cracks or other clear warning signs, use a ski pole or similar tool to detect changes in snow density that may reveal strong-over-weak wind slabs.
How can you manage it: Identify and steer around them. Most of these drifted pockets are going to be small and avoidable. Be Conservative: When in doubt, choose terrain with a lower angle and fewer consequences in case of a slide. Remember that even a small avalanche in steep terrain can have serious consequences in areas with obstacles or terrain traps below.