Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Clear skies and increasing temperatures will heat steep sunny slopes on Monday, and wet loose avalanches will occur. They will remain small, running in Sunday's lighter surface snow over the crust, but keep an eye out for them and retreat to shady slopes when they start coming down.  At upper elevations small isolated wind slabs are present and approach them with caution until you know how reactive they are to your weight.  

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Wet loose avalanches will probably run naturally in Sunday's new snow on sunny slopes.  The slick crust beneath the that layer may provide an excellent sliding surface for the avalanches. They will remain small, so this hazard might not concern you if you are on an open consistent slope, but exercise caution if in complex terrain such as above cliffs or in a gully.  In this situation consequences of even a small avalanche could have bad outcomes.  When snow starts getting damp and you see rollerballs or wet loose avalanches come down it's time to head to mellower or shady slopes.  Alternatively, you may trigger wet loose avalanches if you are on a damp steep slope.  Be aware of people below, and don't get caught in your own avalanche.  

    Rollerballs are signs that the surface snow is losing its' strength, and wet loose avalanches may follow.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Small wind slabs formed in Sunday's new snow, and 4-6 inch-deep avalanches were triggered above 5000ft.  The slab's sensitivity is decreasing but continue to stay alert for them.  You are most likely to find these deposits on leeward slopes around features and in gullies.  Look for smooth, pillow-like surfaces or wind-textured, firmer snow.  Start out by seeing how reactive these wind deposits are on small test slopes before moving to bigger ones.  

    Although unlikely, your highest chances of finding wind slabs are around features near the top of a slope.

Avalanche Discussion

Hazardous travel conditions including variable icy surfaces, open creeks, and downed trees are a potential challenge on Monday. We are entering a settled period after a large avalanche cycle (observations  1, 2) which accompanied the atmospheric river last week. Even with moderate danger, continue to practice awareness of your surroundings and stay conscious of changing weather and snow conditions. Even small, isolated avalanches could pose a threat if you are above cliffs or around other terrain traps. 

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