Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Temperatures are warmer on Wednesday, with a freezing level of 8000ft.  Even if there is a refreeze overnight, expect snow to soften quickly and wet loose avalanches to run. When surfaces become wet and punchy move away from steep slopes to cooler areas where the snow remains supportable.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The sun progressively cooked snow surfaces more every day since Sunday, and wet loose avalanches continue to run as temperatures record a new high every day. Upper elevation northerly aspects are maintaining their wintery grasp, still holding onto cold dry snow. The sun will work around the compass E-S-W as the day progresses, and wet loose avalanches may occur on steep slopes as the sun directly shines on those aspects as the day progresses.

    Pay attention to rapid changes in the snow surface and watch for rollerballs and avalanches on similar slopes. It's time to move to shady slopes or head home when you start noticing these indicators. Keep your return routes in mind as well - slopes you crossed safely early in the day may become wet, weak, and dangerous by afternoon.

    A wet loose avalanche which occurred Monday afternoon in the West North zone.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds Monday night into Tuesday morning redistributed snow at upper elevations, and you may encounter isolated wind slabs that could avalanche with the added weight of a person. Storms in the last week deposited around two feet of snow. They were showing strong interfaces with the underlying crust, and also in mid-storm interfaces, however wind slabs have since formed at upper elevations. You may find recently drifted unstable areas above treeline, primarily on north and east aspects above 5000ft. The most likely places to trigger an avalanche are on rollovers steeper than 35 degrees, and on slopes below cornices and cliff bands. Use visual clues to identify and avoid wind-loaded snow in consequential terrain. Seek out wind-sheltered slopes or terrain less than 35 degrees if you find recent avalanches, cracking, or collapsing.

    An example of a small wind slab on an isolated feature similar to what you may find at upper elevations on Wednesday. Photo: Peter Sundberg

Avalanche Discussion

The significant spring thaw is continuing. Warm temperatures and wet snow are prevalent in daylight hours, while clear skies will hopefully freeze snow overnight. Be aware of crusty surfaces making travel difficult before it softens. Freezing levels are on the rise and will climb more each coming day. Plenty more slopes have yet to run with wet loose avalanches. Expect a mix of wet and dry snow avalanche problems and big variations between aspects, elevations, and time of day. 

On Monday, observers in the West Central zone reported numerous small wet loose avalanches from the past two days in steep, sunny terrain. North facing slopes above 4000ft still held cold dry powder, and wind slabs appeared unreactive to triggers even high in the alpine. Isolated large glide avalanches occurred recently in adjacent zones, and we will likely see more with continued warming and sun. Keep your eyes peeled for crevasse-like cracks in the snowpack and avoid travel on or below slopes where they exist. Cornices grew large throughout the winter and continue to be tested by sun and warming. Stand far back from these features along ridges, and avoid travel on slopes below.

Daily avalanche forecasts will end on Sunday April 18th.

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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