Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Strong, gusty winds should move around some snow and build small slabs. Avalanche danger will vary based on how much snow is available to drift. Avoid steep features and slopes where you identify freshly wind transported snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Gusty winds are forecast for mid and upper elevations on Saturday. The main variable in avalanche danger will be how much soft snow is available for transport and form new slabs. Most windward aspects are covered in crust or other firm junky snow, but softer snow and wind slab avalanches were found at Cascade Pass area on Thursday. Similar conditions are probably found east of the Mountain Loop as well.

    Blowing and drifting snow will show you which slopes are loading up. Assess wind loaded slopes before moving into anything steep. Hand pits, test slopes and stomping on very small cornices or other wind drifted features should give you the information you need. If the wind hasn't been moving around snow where you are in the mountains, then the danger is Low.

    Localized cracking in stiff snow is a sign you could start finding larger slabs on bigger slopes.

    Photo: Jere Burrell - Guided Exposure

Avalanche Discussion

Friday was likely the last day for Low danger and calm weather for a bit. No new wet avalanches were reported from Stevens or Snoqualmie Pass on Friday despite above-freezing temperatures and plenty of sun. Soft, dry snow with a close resemblance to powder was found at mid and upper elevations in the most shaded terrain near the Alpental Valley.

The only reported wind slab activity was in the West North zone at Cascade Pass (photo). It's likely that there was just more snow available for transport as that area saw slightly colder temperatures that better preserved soft snow at the surface.  Higher wind speeds and much bigger, alpine terrain were undoubtedly the other part of the equation.

The biggest snowpack factor that affects future stability is the current surface. While any slope getting sun has seen repeated warming and formed a crust, northerly aspects are holding onto facets or surface hoar. How well these weak surfaces survive strong winds  - before they have a chance to get buried by new snow - is something to keep an eye on. 

If you make it into the backcountry, please share with us what you find by submitting an observation HERE or on the Avy app. 

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