Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
The likelihood on this one is decreasing with time but I am keeping it at possible for another day.
Typically, our wind slabs stabilize after a day or two. However, some north and east facing slopes have weak snow beneath wind slabs . On some north and east facing slopes, previously formed wind slabs may be sitting on faceted snow and/or buried surface hoar above the crust and will still be possible to trigger. Small test slopes are a great way to check out this problem. Look for slabs releasing and or cracking on test slopes as a good indicator that wind slabs can be triggered in bigger terrain.
With the sky clearing on Saturday, I expect people will be venturing into the high country to get into bigger terrian. It will be wise to find a safe spot (low angle or small slope) to dig in to the upper pack and check for weak snow beneath old wind slabs. If you find weak snow between the crust and wind slabs, be cautious and be aware of the terrain below. Sustained steep slopes and terrain traps such as cliffs, rocks, and trees can make the consequence of triggering an avalanche more severe.
Most wind slab avalanches will be small, but isolated pockets of terrain may harbor thicker slabs that can result in large avalanches. Previously wind loaded terrain can be found below ridgetops, high points and around other features that collect blowing snow.