Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–1.5
What and where is it: Thin new wind slabs may be found primarily between 3000 and 5000 feet on east-facing and south-facing slopes and near sheltered terrain features. These areas of wind-drifted snow may be hard-over-soft in structure and could slide easily on a firm snow surface below.
How can you recognize it: Look for areas of smooth snow drifts and dig down to the hard, old snow below to understand the stability of these areas. Watch for 4 - 8 inch thick slabs resting on top of a hard layer of snow or slick crust, and use your hand or a shovel to test how easily the snow slides on top of this layer.
How can you manage it:If you are finding soft snow drifts deeper than your boot tops, take time to assess the sensitivity before committing to traveling on that drift. Consider traveling on the old snow surface that is firm and textured to avoid deeper drifts of new snow. Areas where you will be most likely to encounter wind slabs will be in wind-sheltered terrain features like under cliffs or in narrow gullies. Even a small avalanche can be dangerous if it causes a fall in steep terrain.