Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

With the stormy conditions over the past 48 hours, avalanches in wind-drifted snow are possible. These are likely isolated to the highest elevations in steep terrain below corniced ridgelines. Steer around steep slopes with deep drifts and avoid confined gullies or rocky terrain that can increase the consequences of a small avalanche. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The recent storms brought significant moisture, but with the warm temperatures, most elevations saw more liquid than frozen precipitation. At the highest elevations, wind slabs may have formed on lee slopes below ridgelines. If you find stiff wind-drifts deeper than about 6 inches, you could trigger small avalanches on steep slopes. These may not be a problem on their own, but if you're in terrain where a small avalanche could push you over rocks or cliffs, the consequences could be significant. 

    Look for textured surfaces, cornice formations, or pillowlike drifts to identify likely wind slab locations. Use quick hand pits or small test slopes to observe how wind-drifted snow behaves. If you observe cracking or if the snow slides easily on underlying layers, avalanches are more likely. 

    Example photo: You might be able to trigger avalanches in shallow wind slabs like these on Friday. 

     

Avalanche Discussion

A meager storm will blow through the region overnight on Friday. The forecast calls for a PNW convergence zone to favor the West Central zone, but even so, we'll likely only ring out a few inches of snow. There is a chance of sun in the afternoon, so wet avalanches on steep, sunny slopes are possible. While wet loose avalanches will generally be small and predictable, it is still best to avoid steep slopes if the snow feels wet and heavy. Cornice falls and glide avalanches are less likely, but always an unpredictable hazard. Avoid traveling under overhanging cornices, open glide cracks, or cliffs still holding slabs of snow.

Thursday night's fast-moving storm brought .5-1" of liquid water to the West Central area. Most elevations saw rain, but the higher elevation ridgelines likely picked up around 10-12" of snow. We have limited information from the zone and upper elevations, but 3-4 feet of heavy snow at upper elevations. In many places, this recent snow is capped with a new melt-freeze crust. 

Creeks and other features are rapidly opening up. Glide cracks are sneakily covered by newer snow. Beware of falling into any hidden hazards. 

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