Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche hazard at lower elevations should be minimal where rain was able to soak the snowpack over the past week. As you reach higher elevations, avoid wind-drifted terrain where triggering an avalanche is more likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    On Saturday, if you ascend in elevation above Friday’s rain/snow line, you may find that there is some dry snow to greet you. This snow fell with moderate winds strong enough to potentially create some Wind Slabs on leeward slopes, the sides of gullies, or at the base of cliffs. Observations at Paradise on Thursday indicated that there were already pockets of windblown snow that were reactive in simple travel tests before Friday’s precipitation. Since Paradise recorded more precipitation than areas closer to the crest, it's not a leap to conclude that you could find thicker Wind Slabs on the volcanoes. Regardless of your location, once you reach high enough elevations where you are no longer seeing effects from Friday’s rain, look for wind-textured snow surfaces, fresh cornices, or smooth pillow-like piles of snow to help you identify wind-loaded features to steer around.

    (1/14/2021) Pockets of windblown snow were found at Paradise on 1/14. This test slope cracked easily under the weight of a ski.

Avalanche Discussion

We just wrapped up a significant wet avalanche cycle this week, and the snowpack at lower elevations is pretty beat up at this point due to many rounds of rain as recently as Friday morning. As we often remind you when conditions are Low, that doesn’t mean that there is no avalanche hazard. If you find that the snow is wet and punchy on Saturday, either due to prior rain or the sun’s influence, start to think about wet avalanches. Conditions may make it difficult to initiate one of these slides, but if you notice the signs of wet avalanches such as fresh rollerballs or new fan shaped avalanche debris, realize that likelihood may be increasing. You may encounter firmer slopes earlier in the day before solar input is able to soften the snow surface. Open creeks, down trees and branches, and old avalanche debris should all be front and center to remind you of this past week’s avalanche cycle during your travels this weekend.

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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