Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

You may trigger an older wind slab below higher elevation ridgelines. Deeper and heavier deposits of recent snow indicate these slabs, and avoid them on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.  Wet loose avalanches are possible at lower elevations, so retreat to mellower terrain if rollerballs begin to come down from steep slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On ridgelines, in gullies, and around outcroppings you may find wind slabs. They are gaining strength, but the potential for large avalanches remains in isolated alpine areas.  Wind-textured snow surfaces or smooth pillow-like deposits of snow help you identify wind-loaded features. Travel around slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you identify wind loading.

    Cracking is a good indicator that an avalanche could occur if the slope is steep enough to slide.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    While temperatures will rise above freezing at lower and potentially mid elevations Saturday, the cloud forecast has more uncertainty. Clearer skies will limit concerns to sunny slopes, whereas cloud cover could moisten all aspects. The problem is limited to the top few inches of snow. If you notice the snow surface moistening, expect to see small avalanches in steep areas, especially around rocks and trees. The first signs are rollerballs, and larger avalanches may follow. They will remain small, but if you are in an area with a terrain trap when snow begins to lose surface strength, retreat to mellower slopes.

    A wet snow avalanche near Sloan Peak from the large rain event 1/12-13.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday I travelled to the Sloan Peak area, where I found 2 inches of snow coating a semi-supportable crust. There was evidence of large avalanches which occurred during the atmospheric river event Jan 10-13. This event brought 5+ inches of water to the area, much of which fell as rain up to 6000ft.   We now have a generally strong snowpack sitting beneath the crust formed at the surface of the rain-saturated snow. 

Numerous trees and branches fell during Tuesday’s wind event, adding difficulty to lower elevation travel. There are also many exposed creeks and a punchy snowpack in these areas. If you get out in the West Central zone this weekend let us know about it! Submit your observations 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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