Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–1.5
5" of snow fell at Hurricane Ridge and we're expecting 1-4" of additional snowfall through Monday morning, with the highest amounts likely below 4000 ft. Light N winds may continue to transport snow onto S aspects, primarily near upper-elevation ridgelines. As you ascend, take note of signs of the low-density snow becoming stiffer, chalky or textured. In some areas, wind slabs may have formed above recently exposed grassy or rocky slopes. It is where these slabs formed on a firm ice crust interface that you need to pay attention. Use small test slopes to test the bond of the new snow to old surfaces and watch for shooting cracks to help you gauge the problem. Steer around slopes where even a small avalanche could cause injury if you were pushed into rocks, trees, or over cliffs. Below the 2/19 crust, the snowpack is strong and there are no layers of concern.
Example: Wind-affected snow where you could trigger a small avalanche where the terrain steepens.
Photo: Matt Primomo