Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

By the end of the day, we may see up to 6 inches of snow at upper elevations. You could trigger small avalanches in wind-drifted pockets of snow at upper elevations. Mid and lower elevations will be wet and an irregular snowpack with early season hazards will make for difficult travel.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Shallow wind slabs will develop and become a little deeper throughout the day, possibly up to around a foot deep at upper elevations. Avalanche size isn't expected to be large enough to bury you, but if you're in high-consequence terrain such as above rocks, trees, cliffs, or gullies, getting caught in an avalanche, even if shallow, could still take you for a dangerous ride. This is especially concerning considering how shallow the snowpack currently is, with many early-season hazards exposed.  

    On south-facing aspects a smooth, firm surface will be under any new snow, and fresh slabs may slide easily on the underlying layer. On other aspects, especially northerly and at higher elevations. up to 4 inches of soft snow could exist underneath the newly fallen snow. Snow could slide on the new/old snow interface.  For Tuesday, if you travel above snowline, identify thicker drifts of snow and steer clear of them on slopes steeper than 30°, especially if you notice any obvious signs like long, shooting cracks in the snow. If we get more snow than forecasted, expect larger avalanches that could be more reactive than forecasted. 

    Example photo: Search for wind drifted pockets like this on Tuesday. 

Avalanche Discussion

Rain will fall at mid and lower elevations Monday night and Tuesday. These surfaces have mainly already been so impacted by wet conditions and refrozen that we don't expect much wet loose avalanche activity. The one exception could be on shady aspects at mid-elevations where previously light, dry snow from Thursday is seeing rain for the first time. Rollerballs and very small wet loose avalanches could result in the 2-4" of previously dry snow on those surfaces. Additionally, further moisture may continue our glide avalanche concern. Glide avalanches are unlikely, but if you see a large, gaping crack in the snow on a steep slope, don't travel beneath it.

The current snowpack consists of alternating crust and rounded grain layers. This structure shows the hard swings between dry snow, rain events, and high pressure we've seen since November. In general, your largest concern, especially at lower elevations, is challenging travel with rough, irregular, and patchy snow. Beware of open or shallowly covered creeks, rocks and stumps that could end your season way too early.

Regions covered