Slab Avalanche

Slab avalanches are composed of a layer of snow grains that exhibit cohesion with one another.  Unlike the crystals of a loose snow avalanche, the crystals of a slab avalanche are 'linked' together and when the slide is initiated, the material is moving together, as one cohesive unit.  These slides often appear as though a "layer" of snow has been peeled away from the mountain side, and is essentially, exactly what has occurred.

These slides can further be classified as either 'hard' or 'soft' slabs, which is a relative indicator of the material's density and cohesion.

While both types of avalanches can pose a hazard to humans, slab avalanches are responsible for the majority of the avalanche-related fatalities in the world.

A classic scar from a slab release is left on the mountain side can be seen below the rock bands as the depris continues to flow onto the glacier below. 
Location: Tsaina Glacier, Chugach Mountains
slab avalanche

















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