Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1
Moderate westerly winds transported the new snow onto lee slopes near ridgelines. Avalanches will be bigger and easier to trigger further west in the zone where more recent snow fell. Look for signs of instability such as shooting cracks, and stiffer textured snow over weaker snow. Feel for textured wind-affected snow as you change aspect and elevation.
If traveling along ridgelines with large cornices make sure to stay well away from the edge. Cornices could fracture and trigger shallow slab avalanches. Travelers are surprised every season when cornices break further back than they expect. If you see glide cracks, stay well out from underneath them. Glide avalanches are notoriously difficult to predict and can be destructive when they release.
(3/24/2021) A cross-loaded slope in Cutthroat drainage. Avoid traveling on slopes with similar wind features. 6500ft, W. Photo: Josh Hirshberg