Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Very Likely
- Dimensione
- 1–2
Yesterday’s heavy snowfall and strong winds have created wind slabs throughout our forecasting area. This storm will continue today, with heavy snowfall and strong, variable winds expected. This avalanche problem will become easier to trigger as extreme weather continues to deposit and move snow. In loaded areas, wind slabs could fail up to 5 feet in depth. Last night, WYDOT triggered a large slide in the Cow of the Woods slide path in Hoback Canyon that put 4 to 6 feet of avalanche debris across both highway lanes. Snow will move easily, and any avalanche will entrain dangerous amounts of snow that could easily bury a person.
Avalanche conditions will be most dangerous on slopes with windblown snow, but triggering a slide on steep, sheltered slopes is also likely today. This storm has impacted all aspects and elevations. Expect the new snow to slide, even if a wind slab is not easily identifiable.
These problems may exist at lower elevations.
(3/1/2024) Cracks in wind loaded areas like these at 9000' yesterday in Togwotee Pass are a good example of what you might find today.
Photo: Cameron Galt