Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 3 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Another round of snow and wind could result in new wind slabs on Thursday. Even if it doesn't, you might have older slabs to manage due to this week's storm parade. They should be more prominent as you ascend in elevation and may be on aspects or slopes where you're not accustomed to seeing them.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    You could find wind slabs on a variety of aspects on Thursday. The wind direction has been shifting as multiple rounds of precipitation moved through the West South this week. East winds may have cross-loaded slopes or formed slabs on aspects you’re unfamiliar with. Look for fresh cornices, drifts behind objects, or textured surfaces to help determine which way the wind was blowing and thus wind-loaded slopes. Cracking of the snow surface or fat pillow-like drifts are signs that you’ve found a wind slab, and you should retreat to lower-angled terrain. They’ll be more likely near rocky features or ridgelines.

    (12/26/2023)

    Two wind slab avalanches on the same ridgeline. One occurred naturally while the other was intentionally triggered by Crystal Mountain Pro Patrol by kicking a cornice. [N-SS-D1-R1-U and ASc-SS-D1-R1-U]

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

An NWAC forecaster, along with others traveling in the Crystal backcountry on Tuesday, identified multiple natural wind slabs and one intentionally triggered slab by Crystal Mountain Pro Patrol. These all occurred just below ridgelines, and blowing snow was occasionally observed near their locations. On Tuesday night, the winds were howling near the crest, with wind speeds as high as 69 mph recorded at Crystal Mountain. Down at White Pass, it was a notch lower but still gusting well into the 40s for most of the evening. Well above the threshold to transport snow.

Expect another round of precipitation but slightly less windy conditions on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. We are once again talking about high-elevation snow and drizzle down low. Precipitation amounts favor Mount St. Helens, Paradise, and Crystal Mountain during this wave. Winds will be strongest near the crest and mountain passes.

Despite some new snow and a more winter-like feel at upper elevations, natural hazards remain the story in many areas. Take care to avoid open creeks and holes or exposed rocks and logs while traveling in the mountains. 

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