Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sun
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 3 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Avalanche danger will rise through the day and could create dangerous conditions by afternoon. Bypass steep slopes where you observe active wind loading. Plan on falling back to sheltered areas when the weather deteriorates. Avoid being on or under steep terrain if you observe widespread signs of instability like shooting cracks and natural avalanche activity.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The mountains hold 1-2’ of dry, light snow. Strengthening winds will drift it into fresh slabs and a rise in temperature should further enhance slab formation. Steep, actively loading slopes should be pretty easy to identify and avoid - just look for blowing and drifting snow and don’t go there if you think it's steep enough to slide. Test slopes and other assessments might be useful earlier in the day to navigate avalanche terrain, but don’t get caught off guard by a rapid change in conditions.

    Also, pay attention to areas where your floatation of choice is getting trapped in soft snow underneath a stronger layer (the slab) at the surface. If heavy precipitation begins sooner than expected, be wary of slab avalanches on all aspects, wind-loaded or not.

    By the end of Saturday, be ready to deal with shallow - or not-so-shallow - wind slabs and poor visibility.

    Photo: Matt Lubar

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday is one of those days when it’s all about the timing. You might find reasonable conditions and get in a nice tour or ride before the storm. On the other hand things could get real sketchy, real quick. Whatever you end up doing with the day, keep an eye on the weather and have an exit strategy to get into simpler terrain when the time comes.

For all you snow campers out there, it’s worth noting there will be a big shift in conditions with heavy precipitation and rising snow levels. Plan for much higher avalanche danger by Sunday morning.

Observers in the Baker BC reported minimal avalanche danger at mid-elevations on Friday. Reactive wind slabs and loose dry avalanches were just not an issue. Signs of wind drifting were observed and a few, very small pockets were triggered on unsupported features like wind lips. Riding conditions were “good enough” with light, high-quality snow over an uneven crust you could feel - and hear - on steeper slopes. 

Higher elevations showed signs of more wind transport. Also, one skier-triggered avalanche was reported in wind-loaded terrain just below a ridgeline. It occurred on an NE aspect at 5800’ (location not specified,  4-8" deep by 100' wide,  size estimated at D1-1.5, skier not caught).  No other avalanches were reported today.

Backcountry snow and avalanche conditions exist in uncontrolled ski area terrain. Be sure to check ski area uphill and backcountry policies before you head out.

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