Wind Slab (Snow Term)
Overview
A wind slab is a dense, cohesive layer of snow deposited or compacted by strong winds. It creates variable travel conditions and may contribute to avalanche hazards.
Key points
- Formed by wind drifting and compacting snow.
- Often denser and harder than surrounding layers.
- Can create unstable layers prone to fracture.
- Common near ridgelines and leeward slopes.
- Recognized by texture, hardness, and hollow sounds underfoot.
Details
Wind slabs develop when wind transports snow from one area and deposits it on leeward slopes. These slabs may bond poorly to underlying snow layers, creating hazardous conditions for winter or early-season travel.
Identifying wind slabs requires observing snow texture, wind direction, and slope characteristics. In avalanche terrain, wind slabs represent one of the key instability indicators during route selection.
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