Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Possible
- Dimensione
- 1–2
While the recent winds have been generally light for Sierra standards, they have been sufficient for transporting the low density snow we received, creating unstable wind drifts on all aspects near and above treeline. Because slabs rest on a bed surface of either weak, sugary snow on shady aspects, or slick crusts on sunny slopes, they may be sensitive longer than you'd expect. Be prepared for these avalanches to break wider than expected as well. You may find sensitive wind slabs beneath ridgelines, in bowls and depressions, and in crossloaded gullies. Look for cracking and textured, stiff snow to clue you in to where the problem exists. Consider heightened consequences if caught in even a small avalanche as many shallowly buried obstacles exist, especially in steep, exposed terrain.
(1/4/2025) Photo: Samantha Rubin