Wind slab avalanches are described as which of the following?

• A. Slab released by meltwater between layers
• B. New snow sliding on the surface
• C. A cohesive slab formed by wind-drifted snow on leeward sides of ridges
• D. Dry loose snow release

Answer: (C)

Wind slab avalanches form when wind transports snow and deposits it as a dense, cohesive layer on the leeward faces of ridges and other terrain features. This slab sits on a weaker surface, such as faceted snow or a crust, and can fail under additional loading or triggering. So a cohesive slab formed by wind-drifted snow on leeward sides of ridges best describes wind slabs. The other scenarios describe different avalanche types: meltwater between layers points to a wet slide, new snow sliding on the surface indicates a loose-snow surface avalanche, and dry loose snow release refers to a loose avalanche rather than a cohesive wind slab.