Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

After several inches of rain and snow, Thursday will bring moderate temperatures with light precipitation. There's still a chance that large wet avalanches could release naturally from rock faces or very steep terrain. Continue to give the snowpack time to freeze and stay well out from under snow-covered rock slabs and cornices.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    While natural avalanche activity has mostly subsided, the consequences and unpredictability of glide avalanches are maintaining Thursday's avalanche danger. There could be isolated natural avalanches, especially in very steep terrain or on rock features. Stay well out from under any unsupported features where snow could fall from above. 

    With 3-4" of water equivalent in just over 24 hours and much of that as rain, it will take some time for the snowpack to freeze. You may find areas where a stout freezing rain crust capped the snowpack and prevented it from becoming saturated. This crust could make for very challenging travel conditions. 

    (12/4/2024)

    A glide avalanche on the northeast aspect of Huntoon Point at 5100' from early December.

Avalanche Discussion

Near ridgetops, especially at upper elevations, you may find drier, wind-drifted snow. With the lack of observations from the West Central forecast zone, it's difficult to accurately say what you will find out there. Be ready to assess stability and find conditions different than you expect. For additional information reference the avalanche forecast for the “nearest neighbor” zone for where you plan to go in West Central.

While the snowpack has seen some cooling, Thursday will bring more warm temperatures and light rain. Travel will be difficult in the rain-soaked, crusty snowpack. You may find shallow snow cover at low elevations and other challenges such as rushing and open creeks. Mountain travel will be easier once the snowpack builds a supportive crust. 

Regions covered