Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You may still be able to trigger slab avalanches in wind-drifted snow at upper elevations. Look for cracks shoot through the snow, and recently formed cornices or pillows of snow.  If you see these indicators, steer around steep wind-loaded features and stick to wind-sheltered terrain or lower-angle slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    While you may still be able trigger these avalanches they're becoming less likely. Southwest winds transported snow Monday through Wednesday. Look for clues like cracks shooting through the snow, sharp cornices, stiffer and deepre snow near to areas that are shallower. You can avoid triggering these avalanches by steering around common trigger points like bulging pillows of snow and convex rollovers. You can also

    (12/13/2023)

    A natural avalanche (likely the night of Dec 12th) at the top of Liberty Bowl on Blue Lake Peak, Washington Pass. SS-N-D1. NW, 7,700ft

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

With temperature inversions and tricky mixing of warm and cold air, upper elevations could rise above freezing. As skies clear, you may see small loose avalanches on steep, south aspects. We only have limited observations from the zone, and higher elevations warrant further investigation.  

During the past two days, observers traveling on both sides of Highway 20 have found a breakable  December 10th zipper crust extending up to 6300-6500 ft and surface hoar on a variety of slopes. On Wednesday, they reported a natural avalanche on a leeward northwest aspect, at the top of Blue Lake Peak in Liberty Bowl (see picture above). They suspect that it was triggered by a piece of falling cornice. The avalanche was about 80ft wide and 8" deep. Observers also reported light wind transport at upper elevations, at times sifting snow over the skin tracks. They also found a zipper crust on due south aspects.  In areas closer to Silverstar and Delancey Ridge, the Dec 10 crust is very thin and brittle. An older crust (12/7) is about  16" below the snow surface. 

Sunday was a warm and steamy day for the entire region, and observers reported hearing and seeing natural avalanches as light rain and warm temperatures affected the fresh storm snow. The majority of the avalanches we have information on were in the small to medium range, and were mostly loose, but some slabs were identified. Check out Will's great ob and photos here.

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