Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

Even though the stormy period ends Tuesday, the snowpack still needs time to adjust to recent heavy loading from snow, wind, and rain. You can trigger large avalanches in new and wind drifted snow on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Expect increasing avalanche hazard as you climb up in elevation with the most dangerous conditions in wind loaded alpine terrain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The 8 day-long storm cycle will finish Monday night with another shot of snow and a sharp cooling trend. Avalanches Tuesday will most likely involve the most recent deposit of new and wind drifted snow formed over the past 24hrs. Expect the thickest and most reactive slabs above 5000ft and in wind loaded terrain. We are in the midst of a very active avalanche period with numerous reported avalanches each of the past several days. Tuesday will be a day to gather information as you travel and ease into terrain slowly. If you see recent avalanches or experience shooting cracks and collapses, dial it back and seek out supported and lower-angled terrain. Use small slope tests and hand pits to observe the recent snow and determine which layers are most sensitive to triggers. Steer around slopes below cornices and use extra caution around steep wind loaded terrain. Even though Tuesday will be one of the shortest days of the year, carefully monitor steep sun-exposed slopes where solar radiation may be strong enough to trigger loose snow avalanches. 

    (12/16/2020) Snowboarder triggered avalanche (D2) on a northwest aspect near 4500ft on Grouse Ridge in the Glacier Creek area. Photo Tristan Demers

Avalanche Discussion

Over the past week, the West Central zone received an estimated 6-9in of water translating to 3-5ft of new snow above 4000ft. The storm Monday was wet and windy with heavy rain well into the alpine and extreme southerly wind. A front arrived Monday afternoon bringing a rapid cool down. Snow levels should drop to 1000ft by Monday night, and another 4-6in of new snow could accumulate before conditions dry out Tuesday with clearing skies and sunshine expected by afternoon.

Avalanche danger has been elevated the past week with several rounds of avalanche activity during periods of heavy rain and snow. Several large and triggered avalanches were reported, the vast majority of which involved the most recent 24hr storm and wind drifted snow. In nearby zones (Stevens Pass, East North/Central) weak persistent grains formed and were buried over a week ago. Some uncertainty exists surrounding this potential layer in the West Central. If you dig a snow profile, look for weak snow above the prominent 12/09 crust buried 2-4ft. If you travel at mid and upper elevations, consider limiting your exposure to large avalanche terrain where this layer may still linger.

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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