Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
In the western and northern ends of the zone, 10-15" inches of snow are expected to fall at middle and upper elevations, accompanied by strong wind. At upper elevations, where previous snow coverage was more consistent prior to the storm, new slabs will be forming on top. At middle elevations where snow coverage was less consistent, wind slab formation will also be less consistent. However, a ride in a small avalanche could carry you into exposed early-season hazards.
Look for changes in how the snow feels underneath you; wind-drifted snow will feel denser. Other snow characteristics to keep an eye out for include dune-like drifts and recent cornice formation. Wind slabs typically form just below ridgelines and in terrain features that are gully or chute-shaped. With strong wind speeds forecasted, slabs could form in "sneakier" terrain, such as in burn areas or lower down on slopes than you might expect. Long shooting cracks or audible collapses are obvious signs that you have found an unstable slab.
(11/27/2025)
A small skier triggered wind slab in the West North zone earlier this season.