Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It is snowing again, it will remain windy through Friday morning,  and human triggered avalanches are likely on steep slopes.  Pay extra attention to areas where wind drifted snow into deeper and more reactive slabs.  Avoid all slopes steeper than 35 degrees, and do not linger in terrain beneath large avalanche runouts either.  

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Large natural and human triggered avalanches up to D2.5 occurred in the last several days in neighboring zones. These conditions are similar to what we are seeing in the West Central zone. Currently, your greatest avalanche concern lies in areas with thicker and more reactive slabs that developed with wind loading. Keep an eye out for wind-affected snow which appears pillow-like or textured, and feels hollow or stiffer. Wind is forecasted to stay active into Friday morning, which you will especially notice along ridgelines. The wind affected snow will avalanche easier than non-wind affected snow. 

    There are reports of avalanches failing on numerous interfaces in the new snow layers, some of which are now buried over two feet deep. The short period of settled weather helped to strengthen these layers, but avalanches still may occur on them. On Wednesday south facing slopes became moist, some wet loose avalanches occurred and a crust formed, which the new snow may have trouble sticking to. You may see plenty of storm slab or dry loose avalanches running on this new interface. We are forecasted to receive around 10 inches of snow overnight with more forecasted throughout the day.  With all of these concerns, avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially ones with signs of wind loading, and consider traveling around the runouts of large steep slopes as well.

    (2/17/2021) A snowmobile triggered avalanche at Baker Pass in the West North zone, 18-24” deep, approx 150’ wide. This is similar to conditions in the West Central zone. Photo: Public Observations

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Although unlikely, if you find a sweet spot, you may trigger an avalanche on the mid-January persistent weak layer, now buried 4-6+ ft deep. 10 days have passed since the last known avalanche ran on this layer in neighboring zones. With the recent new load and a lack of observations, continue being cautious while so much uncertainty is present. Stay well away from big, steep, and open slopes near and above treeline. Travel carefully through runouts beneath large slopes while this danger lingers.

    (2/11/2021) Natural slab avalanches along the east side of 3 Fingers area. These occurred after the most recent snowfall, in early February and may have occurred on the mid-January layer.

Avalanche Discussion

In the West North zone on Wednesday two separate observers reported touchy slabs at higher elevations, and both parties triggered avalanches. These were wind affected slabs. The groups also saw numerous natural avalanches which occurred on previous days.  You can check out the reports HERE and HERE. 

Tree well and deep snow immersion hazards are a serious problem with all our recent snow. Find out more information about deep snow safety HERE. 

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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