Persistent Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Slabs 1-2 feet thick sit atop persistent weak layers on northerly aspects. Deeper weak layers 2-3 feet below the surface are still a concern as well. Triggering an avalanche on recent snow or stepping down to deeper weak layers is possible. The highest likelihood will be on previously wind loaded terrain (NW-SE aspects) where recent snow has formed into a more cohesive slab. Look for signs of wind drifted snow such as distinct hardness changes, cracking, large pillows/drifts, and altered snow surface texture. Steer clear of terrain off ridgelines that have been wind loaded and avoid riding above terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies and trees.
Watch for increased reactivity of recent snow on southerly aspects as the sun heats up snow surfaces this afternoon.
Double propagation!
Photo: Noah McCorkel