Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger will rise on Friday as fresh snowfall and strengthening winds form new wind slabs at mid and upper elevations. Larger, older wind slabs remain possible to trigger in steep, rocky upper-elevation terrain. As the day wears on, simple, wind-sheltered terrain will be the safest option.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Two separate wind slab problems will exist at mid and upper elevations on Friday. The first consists of older, larger slabs, lingering from the past several days of strong to extreme winds. Though old wind loaded slopes are easy to find, they've proven difficult to trigger. The greatest likelihood of triggering these slabs is in steep, rocky terrain such as chutes, around cliff bands, or on convex rollovers.

    Fresh wind slabs will be easier to identify as they actively form throughout the day. Expect these slabs to be more reactive, with some resting on a firm crust from yesterday that may act as a sliding surface. As winds strengthen and precipitation intensifies, wind slabs will grow on down wind slopes and below ridgelines, becoming larger and more sensitive over time.

    Keep your eyes peeled for signs of fresh wind slabs such as shooting cracks, failing test slopes or stiff snow underfoot. Take extra caution in steep, rocky terrain where large old wind slabs are lingering.

    (12/24/2025)

    Strong winds on Wednesday were observed transporting snow onto leeward slopes around East Peak. Active wind-blown snow is a key indicator of fresh wind slab formation.

    Photo: Sam Clairmont

Avalanche Discussion

After yesterday’s warm-up, temperatures over the past 24 hours have remained relatively steady, allowing snowfall at low elevations and trailheads. Wednesdays rain has likely produced a surface crust throughout low and mid-elevations, making for less than fun travel conditions. At upper elevations, the snow surface has remained mostly dry and free of crusts at the surface.

A cooling trend will begin on Friday, with fresh snowfall and strengthening winds. Avalanche danger will increase steadily, likely peaking in the late afternoon. Expect to find a mix of old and newly formed wind slabs on all aspects at mid and upper elevations, with some slabs resting on Wednesday’s rain crust, a potential sliding surface.

Around the Crystal Mountain area, there have been several recent reports of avalanches failing on the 12/18 rain crust. This activity appears to be subsiding as the interface becomes more deeply buried and less reactive. That said, this layer is still worth keeping in mind. If you’re traveling in steep, upper-elevation terrain, don’t discount the possibility of triggering a larger avalanche.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

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