Colorado’s Persistent Slab Problem
Its no secret that Colorado typically has an unstable snowpack and this year is no exception. Colorado has a deep persistent slab that has been making backcountry travel dangerous and more difficult than normal. In this video, by the Colorado Avalanche Info Center, it really demonstrates how sensitive that layer truly is. If you are traveling in Colorado, make sure you check the forecast and stick to low angle terrain and away from runouts.
What is a persistent slab avalanche?
Persistent Slab avalanches can be triggered days to weeks after the last storm. They often propagate across and beyond terrain features that would otherwise confine Wind and Storm Slab avalanches. In some cases they can be triggered remotely, from low-angle terrain or adjacent slopes. Give yourself a wide safety buffer to address the uncertainty.
Someone once described getting caught in a persistent slab as getting a rug pulled out from under you. They will have tendency to break behind you whereas storm slabs and wind slabs have a higher tendency to break at your feet.
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great article, very informative thanks for sharing