Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

You could trigger an avalanche in wind loaded pockets of new snow which could be well over a foot deep at mid to upper elevations on Thursday. Look for clues of wind drifted deposits in gullies, on rollovers and around terrain features, and feel for thicker drifts of snow. Steer around these wind slabs on steep slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    If you're going to trigger an avalanche on Thursday it's probably going to be on a wind slab. These slabs could be up to two feet deep, which is large enough to bury and kill you. You're most likely to find slabs around terrain features, on leeward slopes, and in gullies. Pay attention to pillowlike, drifted appearances of snow as clues to identify where a wind slab is located.  Feel for thicker or deeper snow beneath your feet. Shooting cracks from your feet are obvious indicators that a nearby slope could avalanche. Expect slabs to be larger and more reactive as you gain elevation.  In areas where you find wind-loaded deposits, steer around them on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. In non wind-loaded areas most reports from neighboring zones found the new snow to be right side up and generally well bonded to the moist underlying layer. 

    (4/11/2022)

    Shooting cracks like these coming from skis, snowshoes, feet, etc are indicators that a reactive wind slab exists.

Avalanche Discussion

If you see gaping glide cracks, avoid traveling beneath them, as they could still avalanche unexpectedly.  The several inches of rain we received reshaped the landscape, and unexpected holes and other hazards exist.  You're likely to find that the old snow layer is supportable on skis, boards, and snowshoes, but just on your feet you could sink down in the moist snow. That layer will slowly freeze up as the water drains and temperatures remain cooler, although the new snow sitting on top is hampering the speed at which the moist layer hardens by insulating it and keeping it warmer.  

Let us know how conditions were and if you saw any avalanches if you make it into the backcountry on Thursday by submitting an observation HERE. 

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