Avalanche forecast

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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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While the avalanche danger is easing, it may still be possible to trigger wind slab avalanches on slopes steeper than 35 degrees near the highest elevation ridges. Steer around areas of recently drifted snow at upper elevations and near ridges.  Continue to use caution at low elevations as rocks and logs lurk under shallow snow cover.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You may still be able to trigger a lingering wind slab avalanche in drifts that formed after a shot of snow Tuesday night and west to southwest winds. Any fresh slabs will be small and immediately on the leeward sides of ridges and terrain features. You can avoid triggering avalanches by steering around these drifted features where you find stiffer snow. Watch for signs like cracks shooting through the snow as a warning to avoid these locations. On Thursday, an observed reported blowing snow above treeline on Silverstar Mtn, but little fresh slab formation. Elsewhere, you may find shallow, fresh slabs if the orientation to the wind is different. 

    (11/26/2020) Suspended snow and wind-textured surfaces are a sign that the snow could be setting up for wind slab avalanche conditions near. Silver Star Mtn

Avalanche Discussion

Washington Pass picked up about 6" of new snow on Wednesday morning, and winds gusted into the 20's from the southwest. The snowpack in the area is generally 3.5ft to 5ft deep. On Wednesday, an observer found minimal slab character up to the near treeline zone. Over the past week, observers have identified a snowpack with a favorable hardness profile and good stability. However, one isolated deep avalanche was observed (see the photo in the media gallery). This slide occurred on a North aspect at about 7,000ft in Liberty Bowl. The crown was over 3ft deep, and it appeared to have run on weak snow above a melt-freeze crust near the ground. Our best guesses date it back to 11/18 or so. Although no other snowpack observations found weak snow near the ground, this is direct evidence that it is out there, and could be a problem in very isolated locations in the future. 

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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