Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Unlikely
- Dimensione
- 1–1.5
What and where is it:
Small, new wind slabs may be found on steep east and south facing slopes above 3000 feet. The deepest areas of wind-drifted snow are likely to be found in very steep, wind-protected terrain like narrow gullies and below cliffs.
How can you recognize it:
Look for areas of smooth snow drifts that appear soft and bright white in contrast to the old, hard snow. Use your hand, or a shovel test to assess how easily the snow slides on top of the refrozen layer.
How can you manage it:
If you are traveling through snow deeper than your boottop, assess the sensitivity by using a hand shear, or shovel test before traveling on it. Travel on the old, refrozen surface to avoid the avalanche problem, but remember the consequences of even a slip in steep terrain on the hard old surface. Self-arrest will likely not be an option given the density of the refrozen snowpack.