Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wet snow avalanches slowly reduced in numbers over the last few days, and temperatures will cool slightly Monday. Stay aware of terrain you are traveling through, and remain alert in areas beneath large cornices or steep, rocky slopes where thick slabs of snow still cling.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Reports of glide avalanches are fewer as days go by. Glide avalanches tend to remain a problem for days after a significant warming or rain event, so for this reason continue to stay on alert if you’re below steep, smooth rock or grassy slopes. They are most likely to remain a problem in near treeline areas, where the snowpack was wetter but not as previously affected by warm temperatures and rain like at lower elevations. 

    Obvious clues such as glide cracks on steep rollovers, or at the top or middle of a slope will most likely be visible, and a dead-giveaway for areas to avoid traveling beneath. You can also identify areas of glide where “wrinkles” show the snowpack is slowly slipping on the ground below and could potentially release. Chances of one of these avalanches releasing on you Monday is low, but the consequences if one does are high. Travel quickly through areas beneath these paths if you are unable to skirt wider and avoid them altogether.

    An example of a small glide avalanche and glide cracks which occurred on a smooth rock surface deep in the West Central zone last year.  Photo: Irene Henninger

Avalanche Discussion

Low danger doesn’t mean no danger, especially right now while there are still a number of overhead hazards that could influence your travel choices. Sagging cornices are a feature it probably isn’t best to travel below right now. Surfaces softened a little during the past few days, but not as much as the recent warm temperatures would suggest. A slight cooling trend begins Monday, and freezing levels will drop to 5500 feet by the end of the day. In the unlikely event that snow surfaces soften more and become punchy and unsupportable, an increase in the likelihood of glide avalanches could follow. Small wet loose avalanches are unlikely, but pay attention to softening snow surfaces at mid and lower elevations. 

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