Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns

This week's storms built sensitive drifts and slabs at upper elevations. Shifting wind directions mean slabs may be found on a variety of aspects, and some may extend down into windier middle elevation terrain.  

Look for this problem near and just below exposed ridgelines and along cross-loaded mid-slope gullies. Recent cornice growth, pillows, and dunes are all clues that wind was at work moving snow.  Cracking in the snow surface is a sure indication that you've found a sensitive slab. You can reduce your odds of triggering a wind slab by sticking to more wind-sheltered slopes with soft powder at the surface. 

Additional Discussion - Storm Slabs: Today's warm sun will rapidly consolidate yesterday's dry powder into a heavier and potentially sensitive slab. Yesterday, skiers near Galena Summit triggered this thin soft slab. A short window of sunshine likely played a role in transforming this low-density snow into a triggerable slab.

Clear skies and warm sun will cause natural wet loose avalanches. Expect avalanche activity to begin on E and SE facing slopes and follow the sun through the southern sky, ending on W and NW facing slopes this afternoon. Although many of these will start small, they have the potential to become large and destructive if they gouge into a wet snowpack.

Wet loose avalanches often initiate near the base of trees, rocks, and cliffs. Although slow-moving, these avalanches are surprisingly powerful and difficult to escape. Large relief or channeled terrain can increase the size and consequence of being caught. Roller balls or small sluffs are clues that the snow surface is heating up, and wet loose slides may follow. 

Additional Discussion - Dry Loose: If you're seeking out shadier, cold, wind-protected slopes, be prepared to manage dry loose avalanches or "sluffs". These can pack a punch in big, confined terrain. The biggest concern here is getting knocked off your feet and carried where you don't want to go.