Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Tue
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
3 · Erheblich
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Kernpunkte

Wet slab and glide avalanches are very scary and unpredictable, and they're the type of avalanches we're dealing with right now. We suspect a natural avalanche cycle occurred on Christmas Eve, however continued warm temperatures and rain allude to liquid water moving deeper into the snowpack and avalanches continuing to release, some all the way to the ground. Be wary of traveling on or under steep slopes, especially where you see glide cracks or large cornices above you.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Glide Cracks

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1.5–2.5

    Another day of warm, wet, windy weather is upon us. Information was very limited in the last 48 hours, but we suspect we’ve been through at least one wet slab avalanche cycle. As the rain percolates further into the snowpack we may continue to see more slabs release at deeper depths. Avalanches could fail at the ground, especially in areas where smooth rock slabs or low shrubs are lubricated by liquid water. You may see an indicator of a “brown frown”, or glide crack, usually near the top or middle of a steep slope. 

    As rain continues to fall and temperatures remain relatively warm, beneath one of these glide cracks, or a large, overhanging, cornice, is no place to be. Steer around all slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Avoid even the flats beneath obvious glide cracks and cornices, as these are ripe to fail. Travel quickly through flat terrain beneath other large avalanche paths, as it’s really just a guessing game as to when a large avalanche might come down. Snow depths may be shallower at lower elevations, and avalanches might be smaller. However, if you’re on a below treeline adventure be aware of crossing gullies that could connect with a large avalanche path far above you.

    (12/14/2022)

    A glide crack, visible mid-slope in this photo,  is a strong indicator that the snow below it could avalanche at any moment, especially as warm temperatures and rain continue. Avoid traveling anywhere beneath this glide crack. 

    Photo: Luke Dixon

Avalanche Discussion

Right now we're in a prolonged period of warming where we have concerns with avalanches releasing on rocky, isolated slabs until temperatures cool extensively. This remains a low-probability, high consequence hazard for some time as seen in a tragic accident in the Baker backcountry in 2016.  

A slight cooling could mean that by end of the day a few inches of snow might fall at above treeline elevations. Small pockets of wind-drifted snow might exist up high. The wind could also chill surfaces at higher elevations so surfaces may harden. 

Monday is going to be very wet and windy, and travel will be challenging. Your feet will sink deep in the snow, possibly to the ground, especially at lower elevations. Be prepared for difficult conditions if you travel into the mountains Monday. Please submit an observation if you get out, and share any pictures of recent avalanches, as information has been very limited lately. 

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