Persistent Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 2–3
Recent Avalanches: Several wind slab avalanches occurred during last week's outflow wind event.
We're in a status-quo mindset in the Summit Lake area for now. It has been 11 days since the last significant loading event (Feb. 19-20 outflow winds), but we continue to see collapsing and poor test results— clear feedback indicating an unstable snowpack.
The most problematic terrain is at upper elevations, above around 2500'. While this layer may occasionally give clear warning signs, that won't always be the case, even when conditions are dangerous. These stubborn persistent weak layers are challenging to assess and notorious for catching people by surprise.
For now, the best way to manage the problem is to avoid traveling in consequential terrain. This includes slopes with terrain traps like trees, rocks, or cliffs, as well as gullies or depressions which can collect debris in deep piles. Slopes with large, connected start zones should also be set aside for now, since this type of snowpack has the potential to produce wide-propagating avalanches.
(2/28/2026)
Let's hope this verifies!
Graphic courtesy of NWS Anchorage