Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Likely
- Dimensione
- 1–2
E winds continued to transport significant amounts of low-density storm snow (over 2 ft) that piled up above the 2/20 crust. Slabs increase in depth, width, and overall hazard as you ascend in elevation. In the above treeline terrain, most will be large. Winds increased late Thursday and slabs could be more reactive as a result on Friday. Although winds should be decreasing by Friday, the damage has been done. Note cracking snow surfaces and probe for punchy layering near the snow surfaces. Steer around areas of textured or rippled snow surfaces and cross-loaded features. Pay attention along the west slopes of ridgelines, particularly under areas of recent cornice growth, where slabs may be ripe for human trigger. When in doubt, travel safely along ridgelines or slopes less than 35 degrees.
(2/23/2023)
Widespread cracking snow surfaces on W aspects near ridgeline (Tom, Dick, and Harry).
Photo: Joe Dellaporta