Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Information is limited, but Tuesday will be day three of a freeze-thaw cycle and we expect wet avalanche activity to have decreased.  Don't let your guard down, as there still may be a small, isolated wet avalanche if sunny slopes soften and get wetter than previous days. Expect crusty surfaces on southerly aspects until they soften, and cold, dry snow on the northern half. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Most wet avalanche activity likely happened in the last few days, when the blue skies first hit us. Backcountry travelers shared observations reporting rollerballs, and small wet loose avalanches happening around the zone over the weekend. (OBSERVATION, OBSERVATION). We're in a bit of a steady weather pattern now, and south-facing snow has transitioned to melt-freeze at and near the surface.

    The odd wet loose avalanche may still run when temperatures peak midday. If you start seeing any snow sliding or rolling downhill, or if you're sinking several inches into the snowpack, time to reevaluate and move to shadier slopes. 

    (12/1/2024) Small wet loose avalanches running from steep, rocky areas on Sunday. Activity has likely reduced since this time.   Photo: Gavin

Avalanche Discussion

Expect crusty snow surfaces on south facing slopes and at lower elevations, until they start softening mid-morning. The sun will first begin moistening more easterly slopes before transitioning south and finally westerly in the afternoon. Several observers noted that despite all the blue skies and sunlight it still isn't too warm and not causing as much avalanche activity as expected. It's early December, and the sun is not nearly as intense as it is in April. 

As for northerly slopes, you may find wind drifted snow or nice powder. There's a lot of variability throughout the zone, but if you make it to shady upper elevations there may still be the odd wind slab that could avalanche with a human trigger. If you're in high conseqence terrain like above a gully, cliff, trees, or exposed rocks, even a small avalanche could cause you harm. Don't forget that it's still early season, and thin snow cover at lower elevations is a always a concern to keep on your mind. 

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