Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

An atmospheric river will continue to deliver rain at lower elevations on Monday night. Higher up, there might be a winter wonderland and unstable storm snow on features over 35 degrees. Difficult travel conditions persist - don’t ruin your new toys by hitting an exposed rock or falling in an open creek.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    High-elevation snow is expected near the crest and on the volcanoes during Monday night’s atmospheric river. You could encounter storm slabs if you travel in these areas on Tuesday. Use quick handpits as you travel to look for heavy snow over weaker snow. Small test slopes can give you an indication of how the new snow is reacting to your weight. If you notice snow failing in blocks, cracking of the surface, or recent avalanches, avoid convex or wind-loaded features over 35 degrees where triggering an avalanche is more likely. 

    (12/8/2023)

    Hand pits are a great way to look at the recent storm snow. Look for strong over weak layers and places it fails easily. 

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

It was a soggy Christmas Day in the West South. We must all be on the naughty list this year because the warm and wet weather is expected to continue Monday night as an atmospheric river intensifies. Precipitation is expected to calm down, and temperatures should fall as the river slows on Tuesday morning.

We expect avalanche potential to be highest in the morning hours. You could also encounter some lingering wet avalanche issues during this timeframe. So be leery on slopes over 35 degrees if you’re sinking into wet snow past your ankle.

The West South has picked up a few inches of snow every 24 hours or so since Friday. Periods of gusty winds, sunshine, and now wet weather have shaped this recent snowfall in a number of ways. Generally speaking, our snowpack consists of a series of crusts and strong grain types. 

Although we’ve said it many times and in many ways this season, travel conditions at lower elevations remain a real hazard. It’s hard to still call it early when the calendar is approaching January, but that’s the mindset you should bring to the mountains. Open creeks and holes, exposed rocks and logs, plus frozen avalanche debris litter the landscape. This wet period won't help but likely only intensify these issues.

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