Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

You may still encounter areas of unstable snow high in the alpine. Continue to look for evidence of wind drifted snow before committing to steeper terrain. Watch for wet and weak snow surfaces on steep sun-exposed slopes, especially during the first half of the day when the solar radiation will be strongest. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Even though wind slabs may be harder to find Saturday, triggering an avalanche in wind drifted snow is not out of the question. Look for recent deposits of wind-blown snow primarily on north through east aspects above 5000ft near ridge crests, in gullies, and in unsupported terrain. Avalanches could fail within new snow or on a firm crust buried Wednesday. Pay attention to changing conditions with aspect and elevation. Watch for cracking in the recent snow as a sign of instability, and look for sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Remember that even a small avalanche can have severe consequences if it knocks you off your feet in steep terrain or carries you through rocks or trees. When in doubt, default to lower angle terrain. 

    (12/10/20) A skin track filled in by windblown snow. Watch for evidence like this to signal wind slabs may exist nearby as you gain elevation and transition into wind affected terrain

Avalanche Discussion

A few pulses of snowfall since Wednesday night delivered up to 7in of snow that appears well bonded to a firm crust below. Only minor avalanche activity occurred in steep terrain Thursday and Friday with just a handful of dry loose sluffs and a small, shallow wind slab reported. With sunny skies and calm weather expected Saturday, watch for changing conditions in the morning on steep sun-exposed slopes. Look for rollerballs and pinwheels as indicators small loose wet avalanches could follow. Expect increasing clouds in the afternoon ahead of an incoming storm Sunday that should bring a round of cold snowfall and an uptick in avalanche danger. 

Under the few inches of recent now, you will likely still see evidence of a wet avalanche cycle that occurred December 7-9. During a high elevation rain event, wet loose avalanches entrained significant snow as they ran downslope and some grew large. A few glide avalanches (the release of the entire snowpack as a result of gliding over a lubricated ground surface) also occurred in areas of shallow snow covering smooth rock slab. Most avalanches ran in northerly terrain above 4500ft where rain fell on a drier snowpack.

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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