Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Despite the date on the calendar, we’re in a very spring-like pattern. A strong freeze should help limit any avalanche issues on Sunday. However, by the afternoon you may find that you can trigger small wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes especially near rocks and cliffs. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    These long clear mid-winter nights should allow the snowpack to freeze solid by Sunday morning. This will eliminate any real loose wet danger. With the sun so low in the sky, it will take a while for the snow to really soften. As it does so, you may eventually see enough wet snow at the surface to produce a few small avalanches on steep rocky slopes receiving direct sunshine. Pay attention to how the surface softens during the day by using your boot. When it sinks in past your ankle (4”) anticipate loose wet avalanches. The strong frozen snow surface should help limit the size of any slide. However, don’t let one of these small avalanches carry you into a terrain trap like over a cliff or into a deep gully.

    (1/16/2022)

    You may find that you can trigger small loose wet avalanches like this on steep rocky terrain in the afternoon. 

    Photo: Public Observation

Avalanche Discussion

It’s hard to imagine Low avalanche danger with 11,000ft freezing levels. However, this snowpack has been through a lot in the past 2 weeks including prolonged warm temperatures, several rounds of rain, and at least two wet avalanche cycles. This produced a very “spring-like” snowpack that should handle this additional heat well. 

On Saturday observations indicated that only the upper inch or two of the surface softened on slopes receiving direct sunshine. This pattern should repeat on Sunday. Expect icy conditions in the morning that may make for challenging travel. If more clouds arrive or if the wind picks up, you could see these icy conditions linger longer into the day. 

If you plan to use the nice weather to head above treeline on Mt St Helens or Mt Rainier, you may find a few very isolated pockets of wind drifted snow. These generally small slabs will be most prevalent about 6500’ on shaded aspects. Watch for clues of wind drifted snow before heading into committing or high consequence terrain.

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