Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

Blowing snow, fresh cornices, and drifts all point towards wind-loaded areas. When you see any of these observations, steer around steep slopes downwind of the clue. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Very strong winds headline this next storm Monday. They could combine with several inches of new snow to form fresh wind slabs at any elevation. Keep your eyes peeled for blowing snow, fresh cornices, and drifts that all indicate the wind transported the snow. You may find firmer and deeper deposits on nearby lee slopes. With such strong winds, you could see an erratic loading pattern with slabs well below the ridgeline, along the sides of gullies, and on exposed features even at lower elevations. If you suspect the wind deposited snow on the slope, go around it. Seek out less wind affected, lower angle, or lower consequence terrain. On the volcanoes, we expect more snow. In these locations, some of these wind slabs may grow deep and produce larger avalanches. 

    (1/9/2021) Blowing snow and fresh cornices like this can indicate wind slabs may exist on the slope below.

Avalanche Discussion

You may find anywhere from 2-10” of snow by mid-day depending on your location. How much snow falls in your area will greatly affect the avalanche hazard you encounter. More snow equals deeper avalanches. All areas should see winds strong enough to easily blow any available snow and form new slabs. We anticipate avalanche activity to stay within the recent snow from the past few days. At lower elevations, you could encounter rain. Below and near the rain-snow line, think about small loose wet avalanches. If you see new rollerballs or notice the snow surface becoming sticky, steer away from similar terrain.

Observations from the West-South zone this weekend suggest a generally strong and well settled upper snowpack. Avalanches remained limited to specific features, very steep terrain, and were small. A sun crust formed on steeper southerly slopes during the nice weather Saturday. This snowpack should adjust to this new initial snow load with ease. 

Expect the avalanche danger to change rapidly as we head into a very warm and wet pattern Monday night. You may see very different conditions by Tuesday. 

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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