Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 2
With increasing winds before the next front, stubborn slabs of wind-drifted snow are likely on upper-elevation slopes and some mid-elevation areas where drifting snow accumulates. Some of these drifts may be reactive if formed on top of graupel. Graupel layers vary but are often found below steeper cliff bands where graupel accumulates.
These drifts could be 1-3 feet deep and up to 150 feet wide. Look out for signs like pillow-shaped deposits and avoid these slopes. Recent wind drifts were covered by snowfall Wednesday night, so digging down may be necessary.
Cornices in the Ogden area are growing: Give them a wide berth as they often break farther back than expected and could gather a lot of snow.
Photo of growing cornice near Eyrie Peak - Chloe Mortensen - Full observation HERE.
Outside the wind zone, on shaded aspects, soft snow persists. Be cautious in steeper terrain, as even a loose-dry avalanche can travel far and pick up a lot of snow, especially in areas with graupel. Plan an exit strategy and manage sluff carefully.