Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Plenty of wind-drifted snow exists near and above treeline and sits on a firm crust formed January 6th. Additional snow and wind Monday may thicken existing slabs or create new ones. Wind slabs could be reactive to human traffic on unsupported slopes greater than 35 degrees. Cornices also grew during the past week of stormy weather and could fall on slopes below acting as huge triggers. Carefully assess the surface snow using test slopes and hand pits before committing to bigger terrain. If you find shooting cracks or recent avalanches, choose supported slopes sheltered from the wind.
In the alpine, at least one very large natural avalanche occurred during the recent storms. Although similar avalanches are unlikley, this outlier event should give you pause if you venture high on Mt Hood.
(1/8/2022)
Formations of wind drifted snow like these could indicate wind slabs on nearby slopes (E, 6300ft)
Photo: Andrew Kiefer