Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sun
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

The snowpack is generally strong. Mild temperatures, cloudy skies, and a chance for light rain will do little to change conditions Saturday. Continue to look out for wet, slushy snow surfaces on steep unsupported slopes where it may still be possible to trigger a small wet loose avalanche. New snow and wind will arrive Saturday night with an increase in avalanche danger expected by Sunday. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    Additional wet loose activity should be isolated and small on Saturday. Cloudy skies look to block any significant solar radiation, but a chance for light rain and warm temperatures may be enough to weaken snow surfaces at mid and lower elevations. Of most concern are northerly aspects below 5500ft where cold dry snow could become wet and sticky for the first time. Monitor snow surfaces throughout the day, and watch for rollerballs and pinwheels.  In steep, unsupported terrain where you find wet punchy snow, small, human-triggered wet avalanches may be possible. Even though any potential wet avalanches are not expected to be large enough to bury a person, they could still cause harm if they knock you off your feet or carry you into trees or rocks. Head home early if you find yourself sinking deep into slushy, unconsolidated snow. Or, avoid the problem by choosing lower angled terrain or cooler upper elevation slopes above the rain. 

    Recent small, natural wet loose avalanches and rollerballs.

Avalanche Discussion

Generally safe avalanche conditions will continue Saturday.  Expect increasing winds in the afternoon before temperatures cool and rain transitions to snow. A few inches of new snow Saturday night may be enough to refresh conditions by Sunday and cause an uptick in the avalanche danger in wind-loaded, upper elevation terrain.

Wet loose avalanche activity has been the primary concern the past few days with warming temperatures and sunshine. The most active day was Wednesday with rollerballs and pinwheels on sun-exposed slopes and a handful of wet loose avalanches, the largest of which were in areas further east and south including a D2 in the Stevens Pass Zone (see photo below). Snow surfaces are variable and have been affected by warming, sun, or wind in most areas. A surface crust can be found on E-S-W aspects at all elevations, while cold, dry, wind-textured snow may still linger on northerly aspects above 4500ft. 

Even with LOW danger, stay alert during the ongoing transition from winter to spring. Cornices grew large over the past few months and loom along many high elevation ridgelines. Continue to travel cautiously in areas where they are present. Glide cracks also exist in isolated areas at mid to lower elevations. Steer away from areas near glide cracks as there is a very small possibility that a glide avalanche may occur.  

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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