Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

After a stormy week, we'll kick off the weekend with generally calm weather. Lingering storm instabilities may exist, particularly in wind-loaded terrain. Rising temperatures could destabilize the snow surface or cause snow to shed from trees and rocks. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Continue to be leery of wind-loaded terrain, particularly at mid and upper elevations. Fresh cornices, textured surfaces, and areas that look "fat" are all visual clues to help you identify potentially dangerous slopes. Take some time to identify specific terrain features where the wind likes to deposit snow, such as the base of cliffs, confined gullies, or convex rollovers. These are areas you'll want to avoid to help minimize the chance of triggering a wind slab. 

    With winds so strong in the latter half of this week, these aren't your run-of-the-mill soft wind slabs. Many reports indicate hard slabs, which are more challenging to manage and predict. Luckily, they're often easier to identify. If you encounter wind-stiffened snow that feels hollow, retreat the way you came and find another route. The same logic applies if you notice long shooting cracks or hear whumpfing collapses. These slabs could fail in surprising ways or break widely.

    (1/9/2026) 

    Natural wind slab avalanches near Sourdough Gap in the Crystal area. [SE 6400']

    Photo: Kuba

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Saturday is forecast to be relatively warm with periods of sunshine. That puts the possibility of wet slides on the table. These avalanches often start at a point, like snow shedding from trees or rocks, then fan out as they move downhill. If you notice the snow surface is getting wet and sticky, see new rollerballs, or fan-shaped avalanche debris, head for shadier aspects. Always keep aware of terrain above you. 

    The warmth could result in other hazards, such as recently formed cornices collapsing or large blocks of snow falling from trees or ledges. 

    (1/9/2026)

    Fresh rollerballs from snow shedding from trees on a steep southerly slope.  These are the first indications that wet avalanches could follow. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

NWAC is aware of an avalanche involvement in the East Central Zone, Teanaway River/Longs Pass area. Information is currently limited. We are working with local authorities and Search and Rescue personnel. We will update once more information is available.

Friday was a drastic change in the weather compared to what we experienced for most of the week in the West South zone. Instead of another stormy day, mountain explorers were greeted with relatively benign weather consisting of partly sunny skies, rising temperatures, and a bit of wind. Expect a similar day on Saturday as temperatures creep higher, and we prepare for the return of precipitation on Sunday.

This week's stormy weather has resulted in roughly 2 to 2.5 feet of storm snow that was blown around by extreme winds on Thursday. At the base of it all, you'll find the 1/3 interface. On the surface, you may find a new crust formed Friday night on slopes that typically receive direct sunshine. Both natural and human-triggered avalanches were reported this week near the crest. Observations remain limited on the volcanoes.

On Friday, the snowpack had a chance to take a breath and start to settle. You may still find mid-storm interfaces in this week's snow capable of producing avalanches, but the most likely location you'll find trouble is in wind-loaded terrain. Since Thursday's winds were so fierce, this could extend to slopes further down in the terrain than you're used to or even forested areas. We anticipate all avalanche hazard to be confined to this week's snow sitting over the 1/3.

If you haven't been in the mountains recently, you'll find that travel has improved dramatically since the last time you visited. However, holes and creeks remain a significant hazard, as does the new snow in general. Don't stumble into a place you can't get out of easily. Keep your friends in sight and be prepared to lend a helping hand if they're stuck in deep snow or a hole.

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