Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You still might be able to find wind loaded pockets at upper elevations that you could trigger an avalanche on depending on where you are in the zone. Identify recently drifted heavier pockets of new snow and avoid them on steep slopes. There's a tiny chance that small wet loose avalanches may run as the sun shines intensely on steep south-facing slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Small to large natural and human triggered avalanches were reported in neighboring zones on Friday and Saturday. Depending on where you are in the zone, you may still be able to trigger a lingering wind slab on Monday. This is especially the case in areas further east and near mountain passes.

    Mountain passes and further east had more wind, so these locations are where you're more likely to find slabs lurking. No matter where you are, take the time to evaluate wind slabs before heading onto steep slopes. Use hand pits to evaluate for harder layers over softer snow and see if the hard layer easily slides on the underlying snow. Start with small features before heading onto larger ones. When in doubt, steer clear of slopes greater than 35°. 

    (1/14/2024)

    Rime, scoured slopes, and drifts can help you figure out local wind patterns and anticipate potential wind slabs. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

There may be a tiny amount of wet loose avalanche activity on steep, south-facing slopes midday.  The sun is forecasted to be out again, and temperatures are supposed to get a little warmer. We've seen sun the last two days, so you're likely to find a thin crust on steep southerly aspects early or late in the day. 

A few very large natural avalanches were reported at upper elevations in neighboring zones the last few days. We're missing a lot of information, but we suspect the avalanches failed above the 12/30 crust on a weak, faceted layer of snow. The layer is probably buried 3-5+ feet, predominantly at upper elevations. No human-triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer, but think about it if you're heading onto large, unsupported upper elevation slopes as a low probability- high consequence concern: The weakness is probably buried deep enough that we don't suspect a human would trigger an avalanche, but maybe a snowmobile would. If you're on a shallower spot there's probably a higher chance you could trigger an avalanche on this layer.

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