Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Small, isolated, wind loaded pockets are your largest avalanche concern on Friday. Search for recent signs of drifted snow and firmer deposits, especially at upper elevations. Avoid these areas on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You may find small, reactive wind slabs at upper elevations on Friday. Any avalanches would require a human trigger, and are mainly located in above treeline areas. Use small test slopes or wind drifted features to evaluate wind slab characteristics as you travel. When you’re testing or first entering slopes, start from the top of the slope so that snow will not come down from above. Feel for stiffer, hollow snow. Look out for signs of cracking in front of you. Cracking and any signs of avalanches, large or small, or good indicators that another avalanche could happen. Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees in areas where these signs are present.

    (12/14/2021)

    Intentionally triggering a small slab from the top of a slope is a good indicator of more avalanches occurring with a human trigger.

    Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

A storm last weekend brought winter to the region, depositing well over 3 feet of snow over several days at higher elevations. Observers in neighboring zones reported avalanches in the upper snowpack, most within the top foot, with only a few were a little deeper. As the storm subsided, the avalanches were all human triggered, mainly in small wind loaded pockets. Looking into the weekend, a large storm arrives early Saturday bringing moisture at slightly warmer temperatures than the past week’s storm. Expect changing snow conditions and an increase in avalanche danger as the storm progresses.  

Keep in mind that our snowpack is not yet at midwinter depths - exposed creeks, rocks, and stumps are still very real hazards. If you get out on a trip in the West Central zone we’d love to get an observation from you! Our platform allows private observations, visible only to forecasters if you prefer. You can submit an observation HERE.

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