Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Mon
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

Avalanche activity is expected to peak overnight, and human triggered avalanches are likely on Sunday. Avalanches could break around 1-2ft deep in the newer storm snow layers, and it'll be a day to stick to lower angle terrain and avoid traveling on steep slopes. Smaller wet avalanches may occur at lower elevations. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The neighboring West North zone reported more avalanche activity than expected on Saturday. Several human triggered 6-12 inch slab avalanches were reported (OBSERVATION, OBSERVATION). The new snow was heavier over an underlying lighter layer (upside down). We expect conditions were similar in the West Central zone. Forecasts are calling for 8-10 inches of snow Saturday night, and you can expect to see continued avalanche activity, which may fail a foot down or deeper in the recent snow layers. On Sunday, it is likely that you can trigger an avalanche. Wind loaded slopes will probably be more reactive, but all steep slopes are suspect. 

    Whumphing, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches are all signs you'll probably trigger an avalanche if you head into steeper terrain. Some shadier or upper elevation locations may harbor buried surface hoar or weak facets left over from New Year's. If you dig down you may find these layers, probably about 1.5ft beneath the surface on Sunday. As you increase in elevation and change aspects you can expect to find different snow layering and maybe greater chances of triggering avalanches. 

    Avoid traveling on slopes steeper than 30° on Sunday, and spend your time in lower angle terrain. 

    (1/4/2025) Crown of a human triggered avalanche in the neighboring West North zone on Saturday. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rollerballs or possibly wet avalanches running naturally or with a human trigger could occur on Sunday. Avalanche activity will likely remain limited to the newer and softer surface layers at lower elevations, which may creep into mid elevations later in the day. Consistent snow cover to produce avalanche activity starts around 3000-3500ft. 

    If you initiate rollerballs or small surface slides in moist snow, or notice any natural wet avalanches fanning out, avoid traveling on steep nearby slopes and avoid lower angle terrain beneath those slopes as well. 

    (1/4/2025)

    Pinwheels and rollerballs are a sign that the snow is moist and wet avalanches are possible. These occurred as snow shed from a tree as temperatures increased.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

Information in the West Central zone is limited. If you're traveling in the zone, check the neighboring forecast zones as well. If you're out for a hike on the Mountain Loop Highway or other areas, please share with us what you saw, even if you only make it into the lower elevation band, as this information is still helpful. It'd be particularly useful for us to know if you saw, triggered, or heard avalanches, or even moreso, if you didn't. You can submit an observation HERE, or by using the Avy app. 

Weak snow that formed over New Year's may still exist under the new snow that's fallen since then. The weak layer may have been destroyed at lower elevations with the warmer temperatures. In higher alpine terrain we usually have stronger wind and weak snow is often scattered or destroyed before more snow falls. More of a load Saturday night may result in natural activity which could avalanche on this layer, wiping it out, but a lot of uncertainty exists regarding how widespread this problem is, how reactive it may be, and how long the problem will last for. 

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