Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

With clear skies and warm temperatures, small loose wet avalanches may occur on steep solar aspects.  Watch for rollerballs and increasingly moist snow and plan on avoiding steep south facing slopes when this becomes more intense around noon.  Continue to keep an eye out for recently wind drifted snow at upper elevations on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Sunday we will see clear skies, and freezing levels are expected to rise to around 6000ft.  Southerly aspects will receive extensive solar input and are expected to soften by around midday.  Watch for signs of a weakening snow surface such as rollerballs and pinwheels.  Notice any increases in how wet or heavy the snow is becoming.  When the snow gets heavy and wet, it’s time to move off solar aspects.

    (11/26/2020) These rollerballs and small loose wet avalanche were triggered by travels during a period of warm sunny weather.

Avalanche Discussion

I travelled to Green Mountain on Friday and found dry snow on northerly aspects at upper elevations. Solar aspects had begun rollerballing mid morning, and by early afternoon small loose wet avalanches were coming down from steep rocky areas, which I made sure to avoid.  

We have a strong early season snowpack, averaging 40-60 inches throughout the West Central zone.  Snow lines are averaging from 2500- 3000ft.  Most avalanches that occurred earlier in the week have been confined to surface snow instabilities.  Continue watching for wind loaded slopes near and above treeline. These drifts and slabs may still be reactive to a human’s weight on slopes steeper than 35 degrees in isolated areas.  

 Be aware that early season conditions still exist. Watch for hidden logs, rocks, and variable snow conditions, especially at lower elevations and on southerly aspects.  If you’re heading out for the first time this year make sure all of your avalanche rescue equipment is in good condition.  Here is a blog post on Early Season Safety Equipment Checks. 

Consider sharing an observation about what you saw on your outing.  Writing or even just sharing pictures in an observation helps us at NWAC and the entire backcountry community.  Why, you may ask? Find out here.  

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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