Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Likely
- Dimensione
- 1
Blowing and drifting snow has been occurring for over 24 hours now with additional new snowfall added last night. Newly formed wind slabs exist near treeline and above treeline. These wind slabs are becoming larger in size and more widespread. The vast majority of wind slabs will be encountered on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. Isolated wind slabs may also exist in other areas where wind drifted snow is depositing, including below treeline. Wind slab avalanches large enough to bury or injure a person are likely today (size D2).
Identify and avoid specific areas where wind drifted snow is depositing to form wind slabs. Ridgetop areas below cornice features and wind pillows will certainly hold wind slabs today. Snow surface cracking is also a sign of unstable snow. Move around these areas with a wide margin for error and seek wind sheltered terrain in order to reduce avalanche hazard.