Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Tue
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 6 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

0830 Update:  Fresh wind slabs have likely formed on lee slopes at higher elevations. Loose dry avalanches are possible in very steep or extreme terrain features.  Beneath the new snow lies potentially treacherous surfaces, such as slick or variable punchy crusts.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds stayed in the moderate range overnight with 4-5" of new low density snow.  Shallow wind slabs have likely formed above treeline and perhaps in isolated areas in the near treeline band. As you climb in elevation, feel for changes in the surface snow, probing for firm or even hollow sounding snow.  Steer around areas of stiffer wind affected snow and use caution on open slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

    Shallow wind slabs may form Sunday night and Monday in wind affected terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

830 AM Update: Added small wind slabs and Moderate danger above treeline. 

Only a few inches of snow, if that, fell on Sunday and is tapering off on Monday. Expect small loose avalanches to slide on steep slopes in the new snow. Winds may gust strong enough to transport snow near ridgelines, where you may see small wind slabs. These slabs could fail in terrain greater than 38 degrees with you acting as a trigger.  

Alone, these avalanches are not very dangerous, as they are too small. Stay conscious of the possibility of an avalanche when you are near terrain traps where consequences could be more severe. Another concern is the old snow surface beneath the small amount of new snow: many slopes, especially southerly aspects, had a hard, icy layer on the surface. The new snow will slide easily and further on the slick surface. On all other aspects you may find persistent weak layers at the old snow surface contributing to a weak interface and higher likelihood of avalanches in the new snow. Check out some of the weak layer observations here and here.  

Challenging conditions were the biggest danger this past week, with hard and variable snow surfaces hindering travel. Expect to continue finding difficult conditions under the few inches of new snow. If you fall or get knocked off balance by an avalanche on a steep slope you could have a long ride on the slippery surface. At lower elevations open creeks present a problem, as well as downed trees and branches from the wind event on Jan 12. Check out this observation for a great description of travel conditions on Saturday.

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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