Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
3 · Erheblich
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Kernpunkte

You can trigger a large avalanche in the backcountry on Thursday. A skier was partially buried in the Mount Baker backcountry Wednesday and additional snowfall is forecasted overnight. Keep off slopes greater than 35 degrees while the storm snow settles. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Storm Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    2–3

    Natural and human triggered avalanches were reported on Wednesday. Propagation was extensive, and some avalanches were remotely triggered. Expect similar conditions on Thursday with storm slab avalanches running on the 12/29 interface and nearly another foot of snow added since. 

    Stay on your toes because the snowpack could remain touchy or even become more reactive with the additional snowfall. On Monday failures occurred all the way down to the 12/21 crust on northerly aspects above 5000ft. This layer is now buried 3-4ft down and there are uncertainties about whether we may still see avalanches on it.  For Thursday, the thickest and most reactive slabs will exist on leeward slopes at mid and upper elevations. Avoid these deeper deposits, and seek out conservative lower-angled terrain away from avalanche path runout zones while the storm continues.

    (12/28/2020)Slab avalanche on Shuksan Arm (NE, 5400ft). The avalanche broke 80-100ft wide and 1-2ft deep, sliding on the 12/21 crust. The snowboarder who triggered the avalanche was the 5th rider on the slope. He was caught but escaped uninjured. Photo: Colin Wiseman

Avalanche Discussion

Several avalanches have been triggered in the last few days and people have been caught. Luckily all escaped unharmed. Thursday is a day to dial back your terrain choices as we take a brief pause in the current storm cycle. 

As we share the backcountry this holiday season with users of all types and stripes, consider those above and below you as you travel. Don’t drop onto a steep slope if people are in the path beneath you. Conversely, don’t assume that the party uphill of you knows your position. 

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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