Persistent Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1.5–2.5
Recent loading and wind have stressed an already weak snowpack. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on steep, rocky wind-affected terrain where the snowpack is thin. The persistent slab problem exists on all aspects at upper elevations and west through north through east aspects at middle elevations. Weak snow buried 2 to 4 feet could be impacted by the weight of a single rider, causing a large and destructive avalanche. Dig down or probe to verify or deny the presence of weak sugary snow. Choose lower-angle slopes to ride and watch out for terrain traps where even small avalanches will have high consequences.
Cornices have continued to grow. Minimize time spent on slopes with cornices looming overhead. Cornices can break unexpectedly and can crack further back than you expect along ridgelines. A large cornice falling into a persistent slab problem will act as a large trigger and possibly trigger a large avalanche. Give cornices a wide berth.
(2/27/2024)
Cornice Growth on Togwotee
Photo: Travis Baldwin