Wind Slabs
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
- Probabilità
- Likely
- Dimensione
- 1–2
The combination of new snow from yesterday (approximately 8" at 8200' in the Northern Wallowas) and moderate west southwest ridgeline winds has created windslabs on north, northeast, and east facing terrain at and near ridge tops. Windy conditions and intense precipitation were also observed in the Southern Wallowas yesterday. If you choose to travel at and near ridgelines today know that human triggered avalanches are likely on leeward facing, wind loaded terrain steeper than 35 degrees. Signs of wind loading and windslab formation include the presence of cornices and large pillow like formations on the affected slopes. Venturing out onto snow that seems hollow or drum like is another sign you might be traveling on a windslab. Recent new snow, the presence of wind transported snow, and hollow drum like sounds at the snow surface are red flags that cannot be ignored when considering recreating on steep terrain near ridge tops today. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making will be essential while recreating in high alpine terrain today.