Wind slab

scottsmacpherson , Monday 13th January, 2025 11:15AM

We explored towards Stadium Glacier area but as we gained elevation on the skypilot-copilot col, we encounter wind affected snow and some upside down snowpack characteristics. There was a softer layer in the top 5-10cm, then a much firmer layer 20cm below that, then a soft layer ~10cm in thickness, then a very firm layer below that. After experiencing a point release in that top 5-10cm that ran 10-20 vertical meters, we reouted to shallower slopes at lower elevation. Going over a north north east facing convex roll of 25-30 degree slope angle, at ~1600m elevation, we triggered a size 1 or smaller wind slab, ~20m wide, 15cm at the point of trigger that tapered to 5cm at the edge. No one transported, ran 20 vertical meters