Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Isolated wind slabs exist at upper elevations. Northwest winds have moved recent snow into soft slabs up to a foot thick in exposed, wind-affected areas. Approach steep wind-loaded terrain with caution. Look for pillows, stiff drifts, and shooting cracks. Slabs sitting on slick bed surfaces will produce further runouts and faster-moving snow. Consider the consequences of getting knocked off your feet above cliffs or other no-fall zones.
Cornices: Warming temperatures and sun will increase the sensitivity of cornices. Minimize time spent on slopes with cornices looking overhead. Cornices can act as large triggers impacting very deep weak layers.
Similar conditions have produced avalanche activity over the past week. Give slopes with winded snow a wide margin, especially as the sun pops out today.
(4/2/2024) Sheep Creek Peak. Photo: Mike Calla