Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

Although hazard will likely peak overnight during the heaviest snowfall rates, dangerous avalanche conditions will remain Wednesday, especially in the early morning hours. The new snow needs time to settle and stabilize. Choose simple low-angle terrain and avoid slopes 35 degrees and steeper.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Storm Slabs

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

    An additional 1-2ft of new snow may accumulate in the West Central zone by Wednesday morning, bringing snow totals since Saturday up to 4-5ft. This is a prolonged and heavy loading event and the snowpack needs time to adjust. The most dangerous conditions will exist in wind loaded areas and high alpine terrain. Avalanches are most likely to fail within new and wind drifted snow, but deeper layers continue to be tested by ongoing precipitation. You can trigger very large avalanches that could break several feet thick and run far distances. Ease into terrain slowly and gather information along the way. Choose supported slopes with low consequence and carefully assess the snowpack watching for shooting cracks, collapses, and recent avalanches.

    (12/31/20) A recent snowboarder-triggered avalanche that broke 1-2ft deep on a NE aspect at 4900ft. Photo: Jake Little

Avalanche Discussion

Numerous natural and human-triggered avalanches were reported every day since Saturday in adjacent zones, the majority of which failed within the most recent layers of new and wind drifted snow. Observations above treeline have been limited during this intense multi-day storm cycle where rounds of larger natural avalanche activity likely occurred. Precipitation since the new year began has been impressive with copious amounts of rain and snow (over 11in of water recorded at Mt. Baker). Weather stations throughout the NWAC network report snow depths well over 100% of normal for this time of year (Snow Depth Climatology). In addition to dangerous avalanche conditions, non-avalanche hazards exist including tree well and deep snow immersion. Find out more information about deep snow safety HERE.

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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