Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

After squeezing a bit more snow out of Sunday’s storm, cold and clear weather should move into the area on Monday. Sunday’s strong winds should diminish but may leave behind unstable pockets of wind-drifted snow for you to avoid. Look for changing snow depths or stiffer snow to help you identify these areas of concern. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The most likely location for you to trigger an avalanche on Monday will be in wind-loaded terrain at mid to upper elevations. Some of these slabs may be hidden under a few inches of fresh snow from Sunday night, making it harder for you to identify them. Feel for changes in the snow as you travel with your snowmobile, feet, or poles. If you encounter stiffer snow, you could be in wind-loaded terrain. If they’re on the surface, visual clues like small drifts behind objects or textured snow surfaces can key you into wind-loaded areas to avoid. Take extra care when traveling near ridgelines or rocky features such as confined chutes or the base of cliffs. These are terrain features where Wind Slabs often develop.

    (11/24/2022)

    This slab avalanche on Unicorn Peak was observed from Paradise by NPS Rangers. Wind Slabs often develop near the base of rocks or cliffs such as this. 

    Photo: NPS Rainier Rangers

Avalanche Discussion

It was a snowy and windy Sunday around the West South zone. While many areas may have underproduced on the expected precipitation numbers, the wind readings measured by NWAC weather stations did not disappoint. Multiple hours of strong winds resulted in some impressive gusts. Camp Muir was the winner with a gust of 129 mph (!) while stations closer to the crest weren’t too far behind, gusting into the 60s at Crystal Mountain and the 90s at White Pass.

As of Sunday evening, the storm hasn’t quite wrapped up in the West South, and snow is still falling in many areas of the zone. Expect a more showery pattern overnight as temperatures cool and winds decrease. As of right now, areas closer to the crest have received around 5 inches of snow while Paradise is closer to 8 inches. We anticipate a few more will fall by the time skies clear on Monday.

You may step out of your car at a trailhead on Monday and think that snow totals aren’t too impressive. However, as you ascend in elevation you’ll start to discover that snow depth increases dramatically and along with it, avalanche potential. Since it is early season and access to these upper elevations can be difficult, information is still sparse. Be sure to take the time to look in the snow yourself to help identify potential instabilities before you step into avalanche terrain.

Regardless of your elevation and the recent cold stormy weather, we are still building our snowpack and early-season hazards exist. Many natural obstacles such as open creeks, stumps, rocks, or bushes are currently on or near the surface. There’s a long season ahead, so try to temper your excitement and travel cautiously.

Regions covered