Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

An overnight freeze should lead to minimal avalanche danger in the morning. As the surface becomes wet and sticky, loose slides should become more likely. On bigger and more rocky slopes, avalanches could grow large and run far downhill.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Sunshine and mild temperatures caused many slopes to become moist on Thursday. Clear skies should allow the snow to freeze overnight. With a new surface crust, there won’t be much wet loose hazard to start the day. However, warm temperatures and sunshine could make quick work of breaking down the crust and turning the snow wet and sticky. This will happen on various slopes and aspects at different times. Only the highest and most shaded slopes may evade the spring weather. 

    After the crust breaks down, you may trigger wet loose avalanches on steep slopes. Often these slides are small and easy to manage, but on larger slopes these slides could grow big and travel far, entraining all the snow above the underlying crust. The other limiting factor of the size of these slides, is how much recent snow exist over the March atmospheric river crust. In some parts of the zone, a foot or more of recent snow exists. 

    Rocky slopes will warm faster than surrounding areas. Expect natural wet loose slides originating from cliffs and rock outcrops. Keep an eye on what’s above you, and don’t linger under these slopes.

    (4/3/2025)

    Rollerballs are an easy to identify early indicator the snow surfaces is becoming wet and sticky. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Friday’s spring-like weather looks beautiful with plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and light winds. Even if the weather feels right for April, the snowpack hasn’t fully transitioned from winter. These spring periods are tricky and often contain at least a few surprises. There are three big items we’re contemplating as we enter a few days of warmer weather. 

  1. Shed style avalanches like cornices, glides, and blocks of snow falling off cliffs may become more common with each warm day. These hazards fail with little or no warning. Pay attention to what’s above you and limit any time under these overhead dangers. 
  2. The March atmospheric river (AR) crust will help initially limit deeper avalanches. However, this crust is still weak in at least some areas, and the snow underneath is wet and unstable. Wet slides should still be unlikely, but don’t assume you’re dealing with a strong spring snowpack. 
  3. If you use the nice weather to head above our forecast region (~8000ft in the West South), it could be a whole different world up there. The snowpack is likely colder, drier, and more layered. Don’t assume the avalanche forecast applies to these higher slopes. 

At lower elevations, spring has sprung. Bare ground is becoming increasingly common especially on southerly aspects. Expect, thinning snowpacks, open creeks, and plenty of tree debris. It may only be in the upper most extent of this elevation band that you can find an avalanche issue.

Regions covered