Heavily wind eroded snow with wavey textures.
Credit: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
Sastrugi is the term used to describe the characteristic texture of heavily wind eroded snow. Sastrugi has a rough, wavey or rippled texture. Sastrugi may not be the softest or most fun riding conditions, but it usually offers safer travel free from Wind Slabs.
Skiing or riding on sastrugi is a straightforward way to avoid fresh Wind Slabs. Credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center
Rippled, wavey texture (sastrugi) indicates wind erosion. Smooth, rounded texture indicates wind loading. Credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center
Sastrugi on a wind eroded terrain feature. Credit: Sawtooth Avalanche Center