Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A large storm deposited over a foot of heavy snow on Saturday and many large to very large avalanches were reported. The danger is slowly improving, but human triggered avalanches are still likely on Sunday. While conditions continue to stabilize from this big event spend your time on lower angle terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Several large to very large avalanches occurred both naturally and with triggers on Saturday. The snow was most reactive where wind redistributed the snow into thicker, harder slabs. These avalanches were also very large. Given overnight to stabilize, chances of encountering natural avalanches are decreasing,  but human triggered avalanches are still likely. 

    Only one day out from this large event, continue to be very careful where you travel. Right now it’s best to spend your time sticking to lower angles because the consequences of getting caught in a large avalanche are still too high.

    An example of a large slab avalanche which failed just beneath a cornice. Under cornices are prime spots for wind slabs to form. Photo: Dallas Glass

  • Storm Slabs

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

    In areas where the heavy storm snow isn’t wind affected, it could still remain reactive to a human trigger. If you find any signs of instability such as cracking or a notable “upside down” feeling snowpack, avoid steep slopes in that area, even if they aren’t wind loaded. “Upside down” snow feels punchy, and involves heavier upper layers of snow overlying lighter layers beneath it. The storm on Saturday mostly fell like this, starting out cooler, with lighter, drier snow and then getting warmer and heavier as the day progressed. 

    An example of a widely propagating storm slab.  Photo: AJ

Avalanche Discussion

Natural avalanches ran off the cut bank onto Highway 542 approaching Heather Meadows on Saturday. The avalanches hit several cars that were driving by. You can see the observation HERE. This is not a frequent event, and we should remain on high alert after this sort of event occurs. Something else to consider is the statistic that most avalanche involvements with humans occur the day after a storm. Don’t let Sunday turn out like this. 

There is a lot of uncertainty in how reactive the snowpack will remain one day out from the busy day on Saturday. Being patient and giving the snowpack a bit more time to heal is a good plan for Sunday.

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