Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
The predominantly east winds have continued to move a lot of snow. At times on Friday, the wind seemed to be coming from multiple directions at once causing a flurry of snow at ridge tops and peaks. There have not been any reports of recent wind slab avalanches but this is a good time to be vigilant and evaluate slopes near and above treeline for wind slabs.
Most wind slab avalanches will be small, however isolated terrain features may catch enough blowing snow to produce large avalanches.
Be cautious in steep, and unsupported terrain where avalanches are more likely to be triggered. Utilize snowpack testing such as hand sheer tests. Look for signs of cracking in the slab on small safe test slopes, as an inidicator that wind slab avalanches can happen.
Wind slabs formed earlier in the week are now non reactive.
(3/15/2024)
Blowing snow at ridge tops was a common sight on Friday.
Photo: Aaron Hartz