Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

You could trigger a lingering storm snow avalanche in the snow that predominantly fell Saturday night. Start small, beware of large, convex slopes, and when in doubt, continue to avoid big, steep slopes. Small, shallow wet avalanches may run as temperatures warm up midday or if the sun comes out. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Human triggered avalanches on Tuesday are possible. If you trigger an avalanche, it willl probably run within the new storm snow layer, which fell over the weekend. Avalanches will probably be around a foot deep. Slides are most likely to be triggered on steep, convex rolls, and beneath or around cliffs. Avoid these locations on large slopes, or on any steep slopes where terrain traps exist below. When in doubt, avoid all terrain greater than 35°. 

    Avalanches will be easier to trigger in wind-loaded locations. Triggering a slide here could be deeper and span wider than non wind-loaded areas. Search for textured or smooth pillowlike surfaces and avoid these in steep areas. 

    (2/17/2025)

    This natural slab avalanche occurred midday Monday in the neighboring West North zone on a NW aspect at about 5300ft. 

    Photo: John Minier - Baker Mtn Guides

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    A round of wet loose avalanches occurred on Monday. Temperatures are expected to be similar on Tuesday, and we may see another round of wet avalanche activity.

    Monitor snow surfaces. Due to moistening surfaces on Monday they day may start with a thin, soft crust.  If snow starts getting wet, and if you see rollerballs or any slides, avoid traveling on similar steep terrain or lower angle terrain beneath them. 

    Even if natural avalanches don't happen, you might be able to trigger one on a steep slope. In the morning there could be low clouds which could cause "greenhousing", where all aspects get moist. Potential afternoon sun breaks may mean that avalanche activity may be limited to steep slopes facing the sun, at least during that time period. 

    (2/17/2025)

    Natural wet loose avalanches occurred Monday as temperatures warmed midday.  

    Photo: Phil Straub - Cascade Mtn Ascents

Avalanche Discussion

The recent storm tested the persistent slab now buried 2-4+ feet beneath the surface. We don't know much about its status in the West Central zone, although in the neighboring West North and Stevens zones there have been minimal reports on new activity, although one may have occurred in the Baker backcountry mid storm over the weekend. More concerns still linger in the Snoqualmie zone. Be mindful that mid and upper elevation slopes on the northerly half of the compass are where any deeper avalanches, although highly unlikely, would occur.

Snowfall amounts varied throughout the zone, ranging from about 6 inches to a foot. Precipitation mainly shut off Sunday night. Tuesday will be a relatively calm, mild day before more snow comes on Wednesday. 

If you get out in the backcountry, please share with us what you saw by submitting an observation HERE or on the Avy App. 

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