Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

A slight refreeze overnight could help improve stability, but you may be able to trigger wet avalanches on steep slopes by the afternoon as temperatures increase again. There’s a small chance that a cornice fall, a smaller avalanche, or possibly a human, could trigger an avalanche a few feet deep failing on a persistent weak layer we’ve found on upper elevation northerly aspects. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    Most wet loose avalanches occurred Monday and Tuesday as wetting initially occurred on previously dry snow. Wednesday night temperatures will cool, and we may see a slight surface freeze. We’re quickly reminded that it’s spring by a rapid rebound to 6000ft freezing levels by the afternoon. All aspects will likely soften again. 

    You could trigger rollerballs and an occasional wet loose avalanche in the top foot of snow Thursday, most likely in the afternoon. Expect more reactivity in shallow snow or steeper locations at mid to upper elevations, where previously dry snow existed. Make sure to stay alert if you enter a steep slope, paying attention to how much snow is moving around you. If a large amount is running, don’t continue making your way down the slope and consider transitioning off the steep slope to lower angle terrain.

    You might still be able to trigger wet loose avalanches like these, especially in steeper and/or shallower areas. Photo: Peter Moore

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    3

    Wednesday morning a very large natural avalanche most likely failed on a suspect deeply buried weak layer in the West North Zone, where conditions are similar to here. You can read the observation HERE.  Our concern is a layer of facets buried March 8, 3-4+ feet deep. A small avalanche, cornice fall, or possibly a human could act as a trigger, resulting in a very large, unsurvivable avalanche. 

    This isn’t really a “manageable” avalanche problem that can be figured out. You are either in the terrain where one of these large, unsurvivable avalanches could occur, or you are not. If you choose to travel in these areas you are simply accepting a slightly higher risk of triggering or being exposed to this problem.

    (3/23/2022) A very large natural avalanche which occurred early Wednesday morning on the Shuksan Arm. Possibly up to a 5' crown. Photo: Kris Stemmler

Avalanche Discussion

If skies completely clear overnight, we may see a freeze up to a few inches deep. We’ll probably have some clouds and not as solid a freeze. Any amount of cooling and freeze on the snowpack is good, and the more the better at helping the snowpack transition to spring conditions. Pay attention as snow softness changes throughout the day. The amount of freeze dictates how quickly the snow will soften and the likelihood of wet snow avalanches on Thursday. Whether the snow freezes or not, travel conditions are challenging right now, and even with a crust there’s a good chance your feet will punch through to softer snow beneath. Prepare for difficult travel on your outing Thursday.

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