Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It'll be much warmer and wind will be lighter on Monday. If you're sinking soft, wet, snow or see any natural avalanche activity then avoid steep slopes and the terrain underneath them. Steer around areas beneath large, saggy cornices or gaping glide cracks as well. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet avalanche activity will probably have a bit of an uptick from the previous day due to warmer temperatures and less wind. As the sun shines intensely onto east slopes in the morning, south-facing midday and westerly in the afternoon you can expect extensive snow softening and there may be subsequent avalanche activity.

    Even north-facing slopes with previously dry snow may get sticky and moist, starting as rollerballs and then avalanching as snow continues to get heavier. There may be more activity on north aspects than any other locations, since pockets of dry snow were noted on true-north aspects at mid and upper elevations on Sunday. 

    Snow could release from rocky faces, and cornices can collapse. These “shed-style” avalanches are hard to predict, and can happen at any time of day or night. Pay attention to what’s above you, and limit the time you spend on or under these features. If there's even a small chunk of snow that breaks off a rocky perch, it may initiate a larger wet avalanche on a slope beneath it.  This may be the extent of natural activity we see on Monday, although it's very difficult to predict exactly how conditions will pan out. 

    Even if natural activity is limited, your entry onto a steep, mushy slope could initiate a wet avalanche, so if you're sinking more than 2-3 inches into the snow, just avoid steep slopes. In general, if you start seeing any avalanches that entrain more snow, growing deeper and larger than your average small slide, it's time to start thinking about retreating from any terrain that could be affected by these slides and giving these areas a wide berth. 

Avalanche Discussion

Preliminary Report: NWAC is saddened to report an avalanche fatality as a result of a cornice fall on Mount St. Helens. On Friday, March 29, 2024, a snowboarder summited the peak. While standing near the top, he triggered a cornice and fell into the crater triggering a large slab avalanche on the slope below. NWAC is working with the Skamania Co Sheriff’s office and SAR to compile a report. Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community.

Discussion: 

On Saturday, a backcountry ski party reported triggering a small slab avalanche on Whitehorse and one of them was buried in a crevasse (OBSERVATION). Thankfully they were recovered unharmed. We're so glad everyone emerged unscathed, and it's a great reminder that the consequences of even a tiny avalanche can be magnified when you're in high consequence terrain. We appreciate their sharing this information, as it will hopefully help others avoid similar circumstances. It brings up the point that we don't yet have a very straightforward summer snowpack, and even seemingly minor amounts of avalanche activity can have high consequences when in committing terrain. 

On shaded slopes near the tops of the highest peaks, a few pockets of cold, dry snow may still be holding on for dear life. We don’t expect significant wind slab concerns; however, be on the lookout for them if you make your way to upper elevations. Especially consider the additional risk if just a small, isolated pocket knocked you off your feet in high consequence terrain, sending you off a cliff or into trees, rocks, or a gully like the previously mentioned circumstance. 

At mid and upper elevations, 1-2 feet of snow sits over the mid-March crust. Lower elevations generally do not have enough snow for avalanche activity. The layers of new snow that have fallen since March 23rd are settling and bonding well to the crust below. Identifiable layer interfaces show no propation in testing. People have been getting out on bigger adventures in the West Central zone now that the days are longer and it's been sunny. Here's another OBSERVATION sharing details about conditions in the southern portion of the zone, by Mt Daniel. 

Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the avalanche community. Help create a more accurate avalanche forecast by submitting your observations HERE. 

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