Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–1.5
Blustery winds Tuesday formed a new generation of small, stiff slabs at upper elevations. While winds should diminish today, the freshly-formed slabs are likely to remain sensitive to your weight or the weight of your snowmachine. They'll be most common near ridgelines and summits. A few may lurk lower down, on the lee sides of open bowls and the sheltered side of terrain features like rock outcrops. The downslope sides of convexities can also collect wind-blown snow.
The hazard these pose is primarily related to what's downslope of them. A small slab above a gully or stand of trees is more likely to have consequences than one on a slope with a runout clear of obstacles. Adjust your line if riding up or dropping in puts you above a terrain trap like these.
(1/21/2025)
Wind-blown snow in a recent uptrack. A clear sign that winds have been drifting snow and small wind slabs may lurk in steep start zones.
Photo: Paul Hoefer