Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

If the sun comes out keep alert for wet loose avalanches as the snow moistens and rollerballs start coming down. You could also trigger a lingering wind slab avalanche from Sunday’s snow and wind event. Steer around steep upper elevation wind loaded slopes on Tuesday.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    It is uncertain how much cloud cover we will see on Tuesday, but if the sun is strong midday and in the afternoon expect wet loose avalanches to occur. Stay alert for wet snow and rollerballs, and if you start noticing them, shift away from steep south facing slopes. Move to lower angle areas without an overhead hazard, or terrain on northerly aspects.

    Small natural wet loose avalanches and rollerballs, similar to what you might see on Tuesday.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Several human triggered wind slab avalanches occurred in the neighboring West North zone on Monday, which has similar conditions to what we are seeing in the West Central zone. These avalanches failed in or beneath the new snow layer, 6-18 inches deep. Likelihood of triggering an avalanche has decreased since Monday, but it is still possible to trigger a lingering wind slab avalanche. 

    Search for wind loaded features like smooth, pillowed slopes or rippled snow surfaces. Feel for thicker or hollow snow. Search for recent signs of avalanches and other bullseye clues. Loading most likely occurred in gullies, around features or on leeward slopes. Identify areas where wind deposited the snow and consider avoiding them. Stick to nearby non wind-loaded features or slopes less than 35 degrees to help you avoid triggering a wind slab avalanche on Tuesday.

    These human triggered wind slab avalanches occurred Monday morning in the Mount Baker backcountry, with similar conditions to what we've got in the West Central zone.

Avalanche Discussion

Cornices are huge and remain a lurking threat. Stay very far away from their edges, and spend minimal amounts of time on steep slopes or the runouts beneath them.  They could easily trigger a large wind slab avalanche if one failed.  

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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