Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–1.5
Yesterday's storm brought 1-2" of snow to the mountains in this zone. Moderate to strong winds blowing out of the NW transported this snow into isolated drifts and dunes. These will be most common at upper elevations but may extend down into middle elevations as well, thanks to the strength of the wind. These small slabs were deposited on slick crusts and small facets, which will them a bit more sensitive to your weight.
Be on the lookout for these as you are traveling in the mountains today. They won't be large enough to bury you, but they may be able to knock you off your feet or your sled and send you down the slope. The greatest hazard these will pose will be from getting pulled down the slope at high speed. The presence of rocks, cliffs, and trees can all significantly increase the consequences of being pulled down the slope.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION: There isn't much new snow here but today's sun will be going to work on it. Expect the intense mid-march sun to quickly melt the new snow in areas sheltered from the wind. As it does, the possibility of very small wet snow avalanches will come to the table. As with the wind slabs described above, any slide is likely to be small but could knock you off of your feet and send you down the slope.
(3/8/2022) New snow drifting along the Salt Bowns Rd in the Soldier Mtns.