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
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