Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 6 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Deposits of windblown snow from Wednesday's storm may still need time to settle and stabilize. Triggering an avalanche is still possible on leeward upper elevation slopes near ridge crests, in gullies, and in unsupported terrain steeper than 35 degrees.  With a chance for sunshine Friday, watch for wet loose avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    You may be able to trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow on slopes 35 degrees and steeper, primarily on north through southeast aspects above 5000ft. Monitor changing conditions as you climb up in elevation and transition into wind affected terrain. Use visual clues to help identify wind-drifted snow and look for sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Blowing snow and fresh cornices are good indicators wind slabs likely exist nearby. Carefully assess the upper snowpack as you travel, and look for cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanches. To avoid the problem, choose sheltered, lower-angle terrain, and steer around convex rollovers and slopes below cornices. 

    (11/25/2020) Small skier-triggered wind slab avalanche (D1) on an east aspect near 5200ft on Tye Peak in the adjacent Stevens Pass zone.

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1

    Although the sun will have to compete with clouds and some wind on Friday, snow surfaces may heat up, especially as freezing levels gradually rise to 5000ft. It may not take much for the recent storm snow to become wet and weak. Small wet loose avalanches are possible on steep sun-exposed slopes. Be especially careful around rocky outcrops that could shed snow onto slopes below. Watch for dripping trees, pinwheels, and rollerballs as clues that loose wet avalanches may follow.

    (11/23/2020) Example rollerballs and pinwheels on a south aspect at 5200ft in the West North zone.

Avalanche Discussion

A handful of small avalanches were reported in the adjacent West North and Stevens Pass zones since Wednesday's storm. Human triggered slab avalanches were small, failing within recent snow 4-6in deep in northerly terrain above 4500ft. Wet loose avalanches were reported as well. It did not take much sunshine for solar slopes to become wet and weak and steep rocky areas to shed snow (observation). 

The recent snow is right-side-up and generally well bonded to old snow surfaces. Snow depths range from 40-60in throughout the west slopes of the Cascades, and continuous snow begins near 2500ft. Snow coverage is well above average for this time of year, but early season conditions still exist. Stay alert for open creeks, tree wells, crevasses, or other exposed hazards. Consider the consequences when choosing terrain. Falling or getting caught in even a small avalanche could result in a rough ride.

Now is a great time to run through your safety equipment and make sure everything is in good working order. CLICK HERE for more information on early-season equipment checks. What did you see out in the field? SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS with NWAC and the backcountry community. Check out this BLOG POST and VIDEO TUTORIAL to find out more about why observations are so important and how you can view and share information on NWAC’s new public observations platform.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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