Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–1.5
What and where is it: Small, new wind slabs may be found on steep east and south-facing slopes above 3000 feet. Snow totals will be increasing throughout the day and new snow may be falling on small patches of yesterday's snow or on the refrozen, old snow surface. The likelihood of encountering larger windslabs will increase throughout the day as snow totals and winds intensify this evening.
How can you recognize it: Look for drifts of smooth snow that appear soft and bright white in contrast to the old, hard snow. Use your hand, or a shovel to assess how easily the snow slides on top of the refrozen layer or has bonded to any patches of newer snow from yesterday. How can you manage it:If you are traveling through snow deeper than your boot top, assess the sensitivity by using a hand shear, or shovel test. Travel on the old, refrozen surface to avoid the avalanche problem. The consequences of even a slip in steep terrain on the hard old surface are severe. Being able to self-arrest is unlikely given the density of the refrozen snowpack.