Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1
There are a few things going on that cause me some concern today.
- The old snow surface became slightly weak (small grained sugary loose faceted snow) during the five days of clear, cold weather last week. It didn't seem super alarming to me (not all that loose) but enough so to take note of it.
- We added 6 inches of new snow on top of the older slightly weak surface snow. These first two factors are not a huge concern on their own.
- Wind. This is the kicker. The wind has no doubt drifted the new snow into slabs. These alone could be sensitive but will be even more sensitive in areas where they've formed over the older sugary surface snow.
The problem will be most pronounced on the more easterly facing slopes since the wind has been from the west and has been transporting snow onto those aspects. However, watch for fresh pillows and slabs on any aspect. See THIS EXCELENT BACKCOUNTRY OBSERVATION from Chris Magerl describing the new snow and wind on Sunday.
Look for any new avalanche activity. Watch for cracking within the new snow. These are both telltale signs that things are sensitive. Perform a few STABILITY TESTS on the upper layers of the snowpack. Hit small TEST SLOPES to see if they crack out. If the new wind drifted snow is active, it should show it's cards easily.