Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Significant new snowfall in the last 5 days created varying avalanche problems at different elevations. Slab avalanches in wind drifted snow still pose a risk in alpine terrain while loose snow avalanches can push an unsuspecting backcountry traveler into a terrain trap on any steep slope. Cold temperatures and deep snow continue to elevate non-avalanche danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Triggering a wind slab is still possible anywhere the wind becomes strong enough to drift plentiful light, new snow into a cohesive slab. In addition, older, deeper wind slabs may still be reactive to the weight of a single person in isolated locations. Slopes with wind slab may be difficult to identify. Pay attention to areas where you are traveling closer to the snow surface on a dense supportable slab vs. moving through deep new snow. Evaluate potentially wind loaded terrain as you gain elevation with simple tests like hand shears and testing small wind drifted features. Plan your route around steep features where you are more likely to trigger a wind slab.

     

     

    Filled in tracks can help you determine areas where the wind is transporting light density new snow.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Loose Dry avalanches, super soft storm slab avalanches - call them what you want, there is deep snow everywhere and it wants to go downhill. Observers report unconsolidated new snow with small, easy to initiate loose snow avalanches in steep terrain - plus a handful of very soft slab avalanches. While few of these could be large enough to bury you outright, they could push you into a tree well or other hollow feature where you could become fully immersed and unable to extract yourself without assistance. The greatest danger is on slopes steeper than 40 degrees, especially those with trees, open creeks, or gullies in the track or runout. Move cautiously and be prepared for the snow to move with you in steep terrain - or simply avoid it to eliminate risk.

Avalanche Discussion

Since December 21st near treeline areas across the west slope of the Cascades received up to 5’ of new snow with some low elevation sites in both West Central and West North doubling their snowpack depth.  At the other end of the West Central, Stevens Pass picked 3’ since the 21st with the same light winds and cold temps as regions farther north. Numerous, shallow wind slab avalanches triggered by backcountry travelers were reported on the 23rd through the 25th of December. 

On Tuesday high temperatures will make it out of the single digits and creep into the teens. Prepare for unusually cold weather and stay alert to frostbite or other cold weather injuries within your group. Deep, unconsolidated new snow will make for a significant snow immersion hazard around tree wells or other hollow terrain features. Have a plan to move through treed terrain and keep your partners in visual and/or verbal contact.

Regions covered