Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Avoid wind drifted slopes 35 degrees and steeper at upper elevations, especially where an avalanche could carry you into rocks, trees, cliffs, or other obstacles. The icy old snow surface below the recent snow is a good sliding surface for avalanches and still makes for slick and challenging travel conditions. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You can trigger an avalanche in wind drifted snow large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person. Pay attention as you transition into wind affected terrain and look and feel for sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Expect to find the problem on mid to upper elevation leeward slopes. These slabs developed with the moderate to strong winds we’ve seen since Tuesday. The wind caused a unique loading pattern, so you may find deposits in unusual locations and further downslope than you might normally look. Search for them around features such as in gullies or near rock outcroppings, and along ridges. Snow may appear smooth and pillowlike or textured. Expect the snow to feel stiffer, or hollow. Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you see any of these snow characteristics.

    (1/26/2021) Shooting cracks in new and wind drifted snow near Artist Point. Photo: Simon Trautman

Avalanche Discussion

The 6+ inches of snow we’ve received in the last few days is a welcome addition to our mostly firm preexisting snowpack. Strong and shifting winds accompanied this incremental load of cold, low-density snow creating variable loading patterns. Natural and triggered avalanches to destructive size 2 were reported Tuesday and Wednesday in the adjacent West North Zone. Avalanches occurred on upper elevation, wind-loaded slopes breaking  6-24in deep on the slick underlying crust, as well as within new and wind drifted snow. In non-wind loaded areas, the recent snow may still be cohesionless, and loose snow avalanches could run far and fast (observation). Carefully assess the snowpack as you travel, especially on the northern half of the compass, where you might find a weak layer of snow just under the snowfall that began on Sunday. 

The new snow is improving riding conditions following a period of cold, dry weather January 17-24, but firm and icy conditions still linger. On many slopes, the wind has scoured snow surfaces down to the old crust where travel is slick and challenging. Use caution, as these icy surfaces make a good bed surface for avalanches and maintain the slide for life hazard. At low elevations, the snowpack is thin, with plenty of non-avalanche hazards present like open creeks, downed trees, and icy trails. 

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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