Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

As the heat continues to turn up across the region, you may encounter wet and unstable snow. When you see a sticky or punchy surface, seek out more shaded and frozen slopes to travel. Even small loose wet avalanches can harm you in high consequence terrain. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    A strong April sun and warm temperatures should quickly begin to break down any weak or shallow overnight freeze. As a result, the relatively stable snow you enjoy in the morning could rapidly change. This will occur first on easterly aspects and at lower elevations before spreading to other slopes as the day progresses. Pay attention to the snow surface as you travel. When you begin to find wet, sticky snow or sink in past your ankle, it’s time to move to other terrain. Seek out more shaded and firmer slopes. 

    So far we haven’t seen a widespread spring shedding event in the West South zone. Most of the loose wet activity remained relatively small. As this prolonged warm-up continues that may eventually change. While we don’t expect this to occur on Thursday, we wonder if we’re nearing that tipping point. Be mindful of the terrain above. You can stack the odds in your favor by limiting the amount of time you spend in large avalanche terrain and underneath overhead hazards. 

    (4/4/2021) Example: Take the time to step off your mode of travel and see how deeply you are sinking into the moist snow. If you're sinking in deeper than your ankle, you should start to suspect wet avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent windy conditions helped limit the effects of the heat on the snow surface allowing it to stay firmer for longer over the past several days. As the wind dies down on Thursday, that may change. Wet snow could develop on a variety of slopes including reaching around to the north side of the compass where drier snow previously lingered. On Wednesday one observation indicated winter-like snow conditions on north aspects above 6000’. 

Other spring-time avalanche concerns remain on our minds. Cornice, glide, and “shedding” avalanches can all occur during these long warm periods. Each night without a solid freeze allows water to move further into the snowpack and impact deeper layers. Predicting when these low-likelihood/high-consequence slides may occur is incredibly challenging. Pay attention to the slopes above you and don’t linger below rocky slopes, overhanging cornices, or crevasse-like glide cracks. 

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday, April 18th.

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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