Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The day will start out with low avalanche danger, but as more snow falls, small reactive wind slabs may develop at higher elevations. Pay attention to increasing new snow depths, and begin travelling more carefully on steep wind loaded terrain when more than 6 inches of snow is present.  Firm melt freeze crusts at the surface of all but upper elevation north aspects may not soften, making travel challenging on Wednesday.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    By mid afternoon wind slabs may develop enough to elevate the avalanche danger. New snow will be very obvious on most aspects, where a crust formed on the surface over the last couple days. On upper elevation northerly aspects finding the new/old snow interface will prove more difficult, as that area probably didn’t have a crust before. You could still find the change by digging with your hand down into the new snow and identifying a difference in appearance or texture between the two layers. In those areas wind slabs may slide easily, as there are reports of weak snow developing at that surface in the last two days. Fresh wind deposits might also slide easily on the slick crust on other aspects.  

    Search for pockets of recently drifted snow by identifying fresh pillows of snow or textured surfaces. They are most likely to form in gullies, beneath cliff bands or around features. In areas where the deposits are greater than about 6 inches consider avoiding steep terrain, as these may be large enough to take you for a ride.   

    An example of a slab avalanche similar to what you might be able to trigger on Wednesday. Photo: Phil Straub

Avalanche Discussion

Spring conditions are taking a brief hiatus, as cooler temperatures and snow arrive. Most previously melted surfaces, which is all aspects aside from north aspects at higher elevations, will probably stay frozen. Some softening might occur at lower elevations, and if this is the case stay alert for wet loose avalanches, although the are not expected.  

Despite the cooling, glide avalanches remain a concern. These avalanches are challenging to predict and occur in isolated terrain features where the snowpack rests on a smooth, lubricated ground surface like grassy slopes or rock slabs. There are several areas with the right characteristics for glide avalanches in the West North zone. Keep a watchful eye out for crevasse-like cracks in the snowpack and avoid traveling on slopes below them.  

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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