Persistent Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1.5–2.5
The string of triggered slabs over the past week is a great demonstration that we have weak layers of snow buried in the upper portion of the snowpack across the board. Recent snowfall has built a hefty slab that is composed of slick crusts, facets, or some combination of these. This interface is around 1-2 feet deep. You are most likely to trigger this problem where a slab tapers in depth (below cliffs or on rocky slopes, in steep or rocky features with sparse trees, and in areas on steep slopes that have high continuity or are convex). Reading weak snow and knowing the differences in the type of terrain you want to enter is the name of the game at Togwotee. Areas where this problem and problem #2 overlap will pose the highest hazard. When walking out the door today, remember that despite being later in the spring, you will be greeted with a mid-winter snowpack in the alpine. Weak snow can be found here by stepping off your sled or skis. I was able to find it (and remotely trigger it) yesterday.
Avalanches on steep slopes at low elevations will remain possible today and on any day with the possibility of a clearing. Cloud cover is particularly fickle in spring. Any direct sunshine for consistent periods of time will create instability on W-S-E aspects.