Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Very strong winds continued out of the west-southwest throughout the day yesterday leading to continued transport and active loading. The winds have already shifted around the compass rose to the north and are expected to continue at transportable speeds today. Keep an eye out for signs of recent wind loading on all aspects. Reactive wind slabs will range in size and sensitivity today from large and stubborn to smaller and more sensitive. It is also important to remember that strong winds can distribute snow in unexpected ways. Don’t be surprised to find isolated wind deposits at lower elevations, further down slopes than you may typically expect to find them, and in areas typically thought of as sheltered. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.