Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 8 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Limited new precipitation and slightly cooler temperatures on Christmas Day will result in slowing of avalanche activity. As you climb higher, mainly above where rain occurred on Christmas Eve, you could trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow, so search for thicker snow deposits around features or along ridges and avoid those drifts on steep slopes. You might still be able to trigger a wet avalanche at lower elevations. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Mainly above where rain fell on Wednesday, you could encounter snow surfaces that were highly affected by the wind on Christmas Eve. Although unlikely, overlap may exist with a wind slab you could trigger an avalanche on, yet the surface was affected by Wednesday's rain. Danger will increase as you climb higher, where more cold snow exists. 

    These wind-drifted pockets may not have had enough time to adjust yet, so it's possible that you can trigger an avalanche on them.  Identify actively drifting snow and avoid those areas on steep slopes. Expect higher danger as you climb into the upper elevation band, where we have very little information. 

    Drifts tend to form on the leeward side of ridges, around convex rolls and features, and in gullies. Search for "red-flag" signs of instability, such as recent avalanches, blowing snow, and cracks shooting through the snow. Steer around cornices and wind-loaded deposits on steep slopes so you can make it home for Christmas dinner. 

    Example photo: Long, shooting cracks indicate weakness in the snowpack. Avoid steep nearby slopes. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    There was probably more initial wet avalanche activity on Wednesday, when it first rained on the cold, dry snowpack. Natural activity will slow by Thursday, especially as temperatures cool a little overnight. Lingering moist surfaces at the lower elevations, and possibly into the mid-elevations, may avalanche with a human trigger on Thursday.

    If you step out onto steep slopes that have moist snow on them, you could probably push some rollerballs, if not a small avalanche downslope. Make sure you don't trigger one and then get ahead of it, so one catches up to you from behind. Pay attention to your surroundings if you are beneath or on steep slopes, so you can get out of the way if there are any wet loose avalanches. If snow is crusty or frozen, don't expect any wet activity. 

    Example photo: You could initiate a flurry of rollerballs like these you see here, or possibly a wet loose slide, in snow that's still damp. 

Avalanche Discussion

About 4" of water, which is about 4 feet of snow up high, has fallen since 12/18 when our last significant crust formed. At mid and lower elevations, there will likely be a new crust at the surface now. Surfaces up high have likely become highly wind-affected. 

On-the-ground observations in West Central remain sparse due to shallow snow cover and access challenges from recent washouts and landslides. Be prepared to assess the actual avalanche danger for yourself as you climb into snow-covered terrain. Variations in precipitation and new snow amounts, and temperatures can result in markedly different conditions within a single forecast zone.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

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