Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

You should encounter firm surfaces first thing in the morning before the sun is able to warm and soften the snow. Be prepared for the potential of difficult travel and don’t slip and fall in consequential terrain. As the day wears on, any avalanche concerns should be on steep slopes near rocks or cliffs once the snow gets wet.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Sunny slopes near cliffs or rocks have the highest potential for producing Wet Loose avalanches later in the day on Wednesday. These slopes may start the day firm and icy before the sun’s rays are able to soften the snow surface and create the conditions required for these avalanches. Any potential avalanche should be small but could be consequential if a terrain trap is involved such as a cliff or gully. If you find that you are no longer standing on a firm surface, but are sinking into wet snow past your ankle, then the time has come to start thinking about Wet Loose avalanche potential on slopes in the sun over 35 degrees.

    (1/24/2022)

    Checking how deep you sink into the snow with your boot is a great way to monitor changing surface snow conditions. Sinking past your ankle, like this, should let you know its time to go find more frozen snow. 

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

The recent warm spell has created spring-like conditions around the West South zone. The snowpack in many locations contains a firm surface crust with melt forms and smaller melt-freeze crusts below. We do not currently have any layers of concern deeper in the snowpack. As you travel, you may find variable surface conditions depending on aspect, elevation, or time of day. This includes sun softened snow, pockets of wind-deposited snow, breakable crust, or firm and icy surfaces. Be prepared for traveling over these variable surfaces by bringing the right equipment and choosing safe travel routes that protect you from slipping and falling a long way. Various reports from throughout the zone indicate that the snowpack has receded to expose early season hazards such as rocks, creeks, and stumps for you to be aware of.

With this extended warm and sunny period, cornices could collapse or snow will occasionally shed from rocks. Fortunately, most cornices are smaller than normal for this time of year. Even still, be mindful of the terrain above you, and don’t hang out below cornices and steep slopes where you see crevasse-like glide cracks.

Regions covered