Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger will remain low as up to 4 inches of snow arrives by Sunday afternoon. Small loose dry or slab avalanches may occur in the new snow, especially if snowfall amounts are closer to 4 inches. Use extra care while travelling, as many surfaces are icy or variable, hidden just beneath the fresh layer of snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Snow forecast amounts vary, but if we receive closer to 4 inches of snow, small avalanches will occur on steep slopes. In some areas this snow will fall upon a smooth, icy layer, and that slippery bed surface will contribute to more avalanches and they will run further. Additionally, aspects other than south may harbor weak surface layers that could also contribute to a bad interface with Sunday's new snow. 

    Snowfall is expected from early morning, most intensely falling about midday, so expect the danger to rise as snow increases throughout the day.  Danger will most likely remain within the “low” danger rating due to the relatively minimal amount of new snow.  However use your own judgement based on new snow totals and its reactivity to determine if you need to dial it back a notch while accessing steep terrain. 

    Small loose dry avalanches are possible in the new snow on Sunday.

Avalanche Discussion

The long period of high pressure has ended, and small amounts of precipitation will continue in the coming days. Cooler temperatures means snow will fall well below where our current snowline sits. We won’t see much snow, but it will hopefully be enough to soften the hard surfaces from the last week.  

Challenging travel was the biggest danger this past week, with those hard and variable snow surfaces hindering travel. Expect to continue finding the difficult conditions under the few inches of new snow. At lower elevations open creeks will still present a problem, as well as downed trees and branches from the wind event on Jan 12.  

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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