Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You could trigger avalanches in wind drifted drifts of snow at mid and upper elevations on Thursday. Identify wind-affected snow by feeling for slightly thicker snow, and searching for textured or drifted features, and if you find these characteristics avoid steep nearby slopes. Snow softening in the sun is an ongoing springtime concern, and if the sun shines on steep southerly slopes stay alert for wet snow avalanches coming down. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You might encounter sneaky wind slabs on Thursday, as unusual wind directions shifted snow into areas that don't normally collect deposits.  Many of the recent avalanches in neighboring zones were reported as being soft slabs. Subtle drifting still formed slabs that were reactive to a human trigger, although the slabs weren't harder like we oftentimes think of when wind slabs are the problem. 

    Pay attention to changes in snow texture and depth as you gain elevation and change aspects. These changes could be very abrupt, finding major differences in only a matter of a couple feet. Signs of recent wind-effect like scoured snow surfaces and drifting behind features are good indicators of where you might encounter additional deposits. Hand pits and test slopes can help you gauge the bond of wind slabs, but don't ignore obvious signs of instability like whumphs, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.  If you encounter these signs of instability or see clues of drifting, avoid steep nearby slopes. 

    (4/13/2022)

    Subtle clues of possible wind slabs can help you locate and avoid this potential hazard.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

April's winterlike conditions are continuing, although only minimal amounts of snowfall are expected for the next few days. Despite generally cooler temperatures, any sun breaks amidst the clouds could quickly lead to small wet loose avalanches on steep southerly slopes. If you notice the sun shining for a few minutes or notice any small wet loose avalanches running, avoid those steep areas and the terrain beneath them. Some south-facing slopes may have gotten moist on Wednesday, and you might find crusts on them Thursday. Meanwhile, 1-2 feet of low density snow could still exist above the April 8 crust, especially on northerly terrain. You could trigger small loose dry avalanches if you venture out onto non wind-loaded steep slopes still holding low-density snow. 

The West Central Zone's conditions vary greatly in this huge zone, from west to north and east to west. Depending on where you're going in the zone, be sure to check the nearby zone's forecasts as well. Further south and Stevens Pass are remaining cooler, and have received more snowfall. The more northerly vicinity of the zone may have had a bit more sun shining on it recently, and received less snow. 

As springtime progresses, despite the recent and ongoing cooler temperatures and snow, the annual migration of climbers, mountaineers and ski tourers into the depths of the West Central Zone is commencing. Occasional Facebook posts are found on the trip to some obscure peak in the depths of the West Central Zone as adventurers are starting to get out there. Please consider sharing your information with NWAC as well as the Facebook community, so that we can write better forecasts for other backcountry users who are also making their way out. You can submit observations HERE, and can keep them anonymous as to who you are and exactly what peak you were on if you prefer. 

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