Boletín de aludes

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Thu
Alta montaña
3 · Notable
Límite del bosque
3 · Notable
Bajo el límite
2 · Moderado
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 6 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

We’re back at it! Let’s jump right into this. A dynamic storm is set to favor the volcanoes in the West South and potentially create dangerous avalanche conditions Wednesday. If you choose to venture out in the mountains, look for areas of wind affected snow as a sign to avoid slopes greater than 35 degrees. Be prepared to make your own observations and remember that it is still early season and there are plenty of natural hazards to avoid despite a great start to the snow year.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Likely
    Tamaño
    1–2

    Wind slabs may be present on Wednesday on leeward slopes, at the base of cliffs, or on the sides of gullies throughout the zone. These slabs may increase in size and reactivity as you ascend in elevation with the largest slabs found on the volcanoes where higher snow totals are expected and wind should continue to blow throughout the day. Textured snow surfaces or pillow-like piles of snow are signs that can help to identify potential wind loaded areas for you to avoid. Hand-pits and small test slopes can give an indication of how the new snow is bonding to the old snow surface. If you find a poor bond or experience clues of unstable snow such as shooting cracks or whumpfing collapses as you travel, steer around wind-loaded terrain.

    Blowing snow, firm and textured snow, and cornice formation are all evidence that wind slabs are likely to be forming on lee slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

As can often be the case in our zone, the volcanoes are really driving the avalanche danger on Wednesday. With a new load being put on top of generally dry snow, overlaying the 11/17 crust, the potential for slab avalanches is definitely on our radar. If you find yourself somewhere in the West South that is not a volcano, you could experience locally lower avalanche danger or smaller slabs. Regardless of where you decide to recreate, you should be prepared to make your own observations as you travel and choose appropriate terrain. Use the weather station network before heading to the trailhead to find out how much new snow you will be dealing with and how windy it has been to help calibrate your hazard assessment. When choosing terrain, be cautious, and consider the consequences of a fall. Falling or getting caught in an avalanche could result in a rough ride in the early season. Watch for shallowly buried rocks, stumps, crevasses, and creeks.

 

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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