Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

It's likely that you could trigger an avalanche in the new snow, up to about 2 feet deep, on Sunday. Avalanches will be most reactive at upper elevations and in wind-loaded areas, where it's best to avoid steep slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    We received about 1.5" of water and about 1 1/2ft of snow in the West Central zone Friday evening through Saturday. We haven't gotten any observations from this zone, but in the neighboring zones, natural avalanches were observed during peak instability overnight, and human-triggered avalanches occurred on Saturday. Avalanches occurred within and at the bottom of the new snow layer.

    The snowpack will slowly stabilize through Sunday, but continue to exercise caution after such a busy previous day.  Avoid slopes greater than 30°, especially at upper elevations. If you have any doubt, avoid large steep slopes at mid elevations as well.  Avalanche danger remains considerable, when human triggered avalanches are likely.

    In wind loaded areas, avalanches may be a little larger and easier to trigger. It's probably the case that only the upper reaches of the lower elevation band have enough snow to produce an avalanche that could injure or bury you. 

    (1/6/2024)

    A human triggered avalanche in the West North zone which occurred on Saturday. 

    Photo: Jason Speer - Baker Mountain Guides

Avalanche Discussion

Steep south-facing slopes could have small amounts of wet loose avalanche activity if and when the sun peeks out on Sunday. Activity isn't expected to be very extensive, but if the sun starts shining intensely and you start seeing snow shedding off rocks or trees or sliding down steep southerly slopes, steer around nearby steep slopes. 

Beware of sneaky creek holes and exposed or thinly snow-covered rocks, stumps and trees reminding us that we still have a very thin snowpack despite this recent storm. 

Regions covered