Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

A few inches of soft snow could make it hard to discern safer slopes from more dangerous wind loaded areas. You’re most likely to encounter slightly firmer slabs at higher elevations and in more complex rocky areas. Start on smaller, lower consequence slopes to feel for wind-loaded pockets before stepping out into bigger terrain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You could encounter two versions of the same problem on Tuesday. Both could be hard to spot because the normal cues of textured surfaces and subtle drifts will probably be buried by a few inches of inviting snow. Well developed cornice lines and scoured slopes can help discern local wind patterns, but might not give you the complete picture. 

    Soft fresh wind slabs formed over the past few days in more exposed areas. Even though they don’t seem very stiff, this slightly firmer snow might be all that’s needed to tip the scale on the upper snowpack. A few larger older wind slabs could still linger in bigger terrain at upper elevations. Natural avalanches reported on Saturday and Sunday highlight this lurking issue. 

    It may be much harder than normal to assess and manage this hazard. Consider easing into terrain and keep a keen eye out for subtle clues that suggest a slope is wind loaded. Steer around steep wind affected slopes to give the snowpack more time to heel.

    (12/30/2024)

    Larger wind drifts like these may be the only clue you get of nearby wind loading. 

    Photo: Irene Henninger

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday looks like a beautiful day in the mountains. Sunshine in the morning and soft snow could make for excellent travel. Even with the improving weather, be a little distrustful of the snow. This is our first real break in nearly a week of active weather, and it will take a bit of time for the snowpack to heal.

While you may see rollerballs and snow shed from steep rocky faces, increasing clouds should keep wet avalanche concerns in check. However, if the clouds are late, you could see natural slides occurring on more southerly aspects. 

Reports from around the zone on Monday suggest similar conditions. Soft new snow sits over a newly forming crust. How much snow varies by location and elevation. Observations from Glacier Creek, Bagley Basin, and near Baker Lake show 4-10 inches of fluffy snow. As you ascend the new crust becomes less pronounced and even absent. 

Given the recent stormy weather, several layers exist in the upper snowpack. Some are subtle storm interfaces, others crusts, and maybe even a few weak angular grains. The take home, it’s been stormy! With that came a lot of new snow and some uncertainty. The weather is clearing, but the snowpack isn’t a sure bet. Focus your observations on the snow above the prominent Solstice Crust generally 2-3 ft (60-90cm) below the surface.

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