Persistent Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Unlikely
- Dimensione
- 1.5–2.5
Triggering a large persistent slab avalanche is becoming less likely. A surface hoar layer buried 2/14 now sits about 2–3 feet deep (1.5–2 feet deep around West Mountain). This layer is responsible for many large avalanches over the past two weeks, mainly on wind-loaded terrain that faces NW–NE–E above 7,000 feet.
Signs of instability may be absent, and slopes with multiple tracks could still produce a large avalanche. Reduce your risk by avoiding slopes steeper than about 35°, particularly rocky, wind-affected alpine terrain, and be mindful of terrain traps like trees, rocks, and gullies. Travel one at a time in avalanche terrain.
(Tuesday 3/10/2026) Photo: George Halcom
2/14 weak layer of buried surface hoar not strengthening.