Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Triggering a wind slab at upper elevations or on a volcano remains a possibility on Thursday. Be on the lookout for firm, hollow-feeling snow or pillow-like drifts. You'll likely encounter a variety of snow surfaces as you change elevation and aspect.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We continue to get reports of natural and human-triggered wind slabs. So, you'd better keep these slides on your radar on Thursday. 

    Look for pillow-like drifts, textured surfaces, or fresh cornices. These visual clues can help you identify wind-loaded features to avoid. You may find loading on unusual aspects or even on both sides of a ridgeline. You could also encounter slabs near rocky features or confined gullies/chutes.

    If the slope looks "fat" or you identify stiff snow that feels hollow, then you should find a different route. 

    (2/10/2026)

    A small intentionally triggered wind slab near White Pass. NE, 6600ft. HS-ASu-R1/D1-I

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Thursday will mark a transition away from sunny weather toward more clouds and the possibility of snow showers in the coming days. That should help limit the sun's influence and keep wet loose slides at bay. However, keep an eye on the snow surface. There should be a surface crust on slopes that typically receive direct solar input. But if there's a prolonged period of sunshine, the crust could break down, opening the door for wet loose slides.

The snowpack is becoming aspect and elevation-dependent across the zone. Expect to find wind-affected surfaces, soft dry snow, or maybe breakable crust on shaded aspects. On slopes that typically receive direct sunshine, you could find a firm surface crust, breakable crust, bare dirt, ice, or pockets of dry snow and wind effect. No matter what form the upper snowpack takes, the recent snow will sit on top of the 2/7 crust. The higher in the hills you travel, or if you're on a volcano, the deeper this interface is buried. The bond to this crust is generally poor, but showed some signs of improvement on Wednesday. 

We expect avalanche activity to be confined to the recent storm snow. Whether dry, wet, loose, or slab, any triggered avalanche could fail easily and run far using the 2/7 as a bed surface. 

Travel conditions have improved with the recent snow, but there are still plenty of holes, creeks, and bare ground out there. Rocks, trees, or other natural features that were on the surface and visible at this time last week may now be buried a few inches out of sight. 

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