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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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 6 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

You'll have to manage dry and wet snow avalanche concerns as you change aspects and elevations on Thursday.  Where you find wind-stiffened snow assume you can trigger a wind slab avalanche on similar terrain features.  Move off sunny slopes before mid-day if the snow surface starts to moisten and you see natural pinwheels and rollerballs. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You can still trigger wind slab avalanches on wind-loaded slopes at higher elevations.  As you climb, feel for firmer or hollow sounding snow above the hard 12/21 crust.  The crust is likely 6-10" below the snow surface in non-wind affected areas and you may find drifts of around 1-2' on wind loaded slopes.  Steer around slopes below cornices and use caution near steep wind loaded terrain.  As winds increase Thursday afternoon, watch to see if new or similar aspects start to see freshly drifted snow.  

    12/23/2020 - Small natural wind slab avalanche released below a ridgeline on the Easton Glacier in the neighboring West North zone. Look for fresh cornice lines to help gauge which slopes may be wind loaded.

  • Loose Wet

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

    In less wind-affected areas you may see or trigger small loose wet avalanches as the sun comes up.  Mild temperatures at mid and upper elevations are expected to persist overnight and Thursday.  Increasing winds and high cloud cover Thursday afternoon may cap their potential later in the day. 

    Loose wet avalanches will be small, predictable, and involve shallow amounts of surface snow above the most recent crust. Move off sunny slopes before mid-day if the snow surface starts to moisten and you see natural pinwheels and rollerballs.  Loose snow will shed below steep rock faces and may trigger small slides on the slopes below.   Even small loose wet avalanches can be surprisingly powerful and knock you off your feet. Use caution around terrain traps. 

    12/23/2020 Rollerballs releasing below a steep rock face in the nearby Mt Baker backcountry. Avoid hanging out in terrain like this as conditions warm Thursday.

Avalanche Discussion

In nearby zones (Stevens Pass) weak persistent grains formed and were buried over a week ago.  There haven't been avalanches triggered on this layer in neighboring zones for several days.  If you dig a snow profile, look for weak snow above the prominent 12/09 crust buried 3-4ft deep.  If you travel at mid and upper elevations where this layer may still exist, consider limiting your exposure to large avalanche terrain until we know more.

If you do get out in the West Central zone, let us know what the snow and avalanche conditions were like by submitting an observation.

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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