Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Wind slabs up to a 18" thick were triggered or showed signs of reacitvity yesterday. Most reports indicated that the warm snow and strong winds created slabs on the reactive side of the sensitivity scale rather than touchy. However, observed buried surface facets on a crust on a SE aspect of Mavericks which support the idea that some of the wind slabs, like the one triggered on Wimpy's shown at right, may be failing on a weaker layer than just new snow. Look for this layer and consider if it may turn an otherwise firm and apparently stubborn slab into something that you can trigger today. Additionally, you will find fresh wind slabs in the lee of west winds today. These winds were much more moderate than mid-storm winds making it likely that these slabs will be softer, possibly more sensitive and most likely under a foot thick. Your likely to find both wind slab problems located primarily in the upper elevations where snowfall yesterday was more intense.
Note that the avalanche problem rose includes solar aspects at mid-elevations due to the potential for heating of wind/storm slabs this afternoon. Monitor temps and solar input onto steep slopes and beware of signs of dampening of snow surfaces. This will make slabs more reactive.
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(3/15/2023)
This avalanche was triggered from a distance yesterday on Wimpy's.