Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Even though little to no snow has fallen since yesterday morning, the winds have stayed strong enough to keep blowing snow. This blowing snow has landed on top of the wind slabs that formed during the storm. Triggering a wind slab avalanche large enough to bury or injure a person remains possible today. These lingering wind slabs will most likely exist on open slopes, the downwind side of ridges, in gullies, and near other wind-exposed terrain features. Large, fragile cornices may also lurk above some of these wind-loaded slopes.
Recent avalanches, snow surface cracking, blowing snow, cornices, drifted snow, and snow surface texture can all help identify where unstable wind slabs may exist. These clues can also indicate where wind-hammered snow lurks. Traveling in areas sheltered from the wind can reduce the chance of triggering a wind slab and increase your chances of finding softer, more consistent snow.
(3/28/2024)
A snowmobile cut on this wind-loaded test slope yesterday near Blue Lakes produced this small avalanche at the new/old interface.
Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center