Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 2
Wind slabs: Wind speeds are currently light, but there is nothing like easterly winds to keep us on our toes, drifting snow onto unexpected aspects and at lower elevations. In addition to any new wind drifts, there are some lingering soft drifts from the northwesterly winds that can still be triggered at the upper elevations. The best way to avoid these fresh slabs is to look for them and signs of new drifting - watch for plumes off ridge lines and blowing snow where you are, including as you drop in elevation. Wind drifts are often rounded, smooth, and feel denser or thicker than the surrounding snow. Wind speeds may pick up this afternoon and evening.
Sluffing - Some faceting seems to have occurred in recent days within the top foot of snow. Mark’s photo from Gobblers on Tuesday shows this layer, which may contribute to the snow sluffing easily on steep slopes today.
Cornices are HUGE! and breaking back much further than expected. However far you think you need to be back from the edge, take an extra several steps even further back. These yawning cracks may be hidden beneath the newest snow. Silver Fork headwall, Watson, Peterson photo.