Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–1.5
Yesterday, northwest winds were ripping above treeline for the majority of the day. With large amounts of dry snow available for transport, it's not out of the question that near treeline also developed a few fresh wind slabs. Today, the potential exists for wind slabs to continue to form on leeward north, east, and south aspects on the downwind sides of ridgelines, convex rollovers, cliff bands, and rock outcroppings. Cross-loading will be most prominent in gullies and chutes above treeline. Textured or scoured surfaces indicate the wind's presence. Areas of highest likelihood to encounter a wind slab will be in steep pockets of convex terrain and on unsupported slopes.
With limited access and data, uncertainty exists regarding the wind's full effect on the snow near treeline. Field observations will be your best method for obtaining an accurate picture.
Tuesday morning, northwest winds could visibly be seen transporting snow onto leeward aspects from town
Photo: Eric Falconer