Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Winds have blown at critical speeds for wind slab formation for nearly 24 hours. A north wind will continue to blow today, reducing in speed at mid-elevations as the day advances. Drifts will be present near and above treeline on east, south, and west aspects. Areas of concern are directly under the leeward sides of ridgelines, cliff bands, gullies, and convex rolls. Terrain features that hold such characteristics should be assessed with care. Identify slopes beneath scoured ridgelines and surfaces, as these areas likely harbor pockets of wind slab. Observing for signs of instability and conservatively managing your terrain is the best way to reduce your risk.
(2/26/2024)
Snow drifting onto the leeward side of a ridgeline. Blowing snow, textured surfaces, and cornices are bulls eye clues of how you can identify and anticipate this problem.
Photo: Eric Falconer