Storm Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Very Likely
- Dimensione
- 2–3.5
Multiple feet of new snow will form storm slabs at all elevation bands. Slabs will grow in size and sensitivity today into tonight as the snow accumulates. Expect to find the largest slabs on wind-drifted slopes below ridgelines and in gully features. Avalanches may fail on density changes within the storm snow or on the old/new snow interface.
- Large and very large natural avalanches are likely. Avoid major run-out zones this weekend, including Avalanche Gulch. Know where you are in the terrain.
- Large human-triggered avalanches are very likely, especially this afternoon into this evening.
Travel on, near, or below steep slopes is not recommended later this afternoon into tonight. If you choose to enter avalanche terrain during the daylight hours, carefully evaluate slab size and sensitivity. Use small, inconsequential test slopes before stepping out into steeper terrain. Avoid wind-drifted areas. Look for shooting cracks and listen for collapses to alert you to unstable snow.
(1/20/2024)
An example of a storm slab avalanche that may be encountered today, as snow accumulates below treeline
Photo: Samuel Clairmont