Deep Persistent Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Unlikely
- Dimensione
- 3
Persistent slabs remain a lingering concern in isolated areas above 9,000' on NW-N-NE aspects both above and below treeline. Recent snowpit data has shown that the Dec 2 facet layer is gaining strength in most, but not all areas. At this time, triggering a persistent slab avalanche is a low likelihood, high consequence event. Given the location of the problematic weak layer near the base of the snowpack, nearly all of the existing snowpack (2 to 4+ ft deep) will be involved. The potential avalanche size and the density of the overlying slab make survival without significant traumatic injury an unrealistic expectation. The most likely trigger points exist at relative shallow areas of the snowpack. These are commonly found near exposed rocks, isolated trees, and along cliff bands, making travel in northerly aspect complex terrain above 9,000' a poor choice at this time.