Definition

A large piece of snow that can break off and slide down a slope, often creating a risk of avalanches.

Example

The skiers were warned about the unstable windslab on the mountain.

Conversation

Did you hear about the avalanche warning for the mountains?

Yeah, they mentioned the risk of windslab forming on the slopes.

I can't believe how quickly conditions can change out there.

Right? It's so important to be cautious with those windslab warnings.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'windslab' is formed from 'wind' (from Old English 'wind', meaning air in motion) and 'slab' (from Old English 'slæb', meaning a flat piece or layer). The term 'windslab' refers to a flat layer of snow or ice that has been compacted by the wind.

Memory Tip

Think of 'wind' as air in motion and 'slab' as a flat layer — together, they describe a flat layer formed by the wind.

Visually Confused Words