Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Human triggered avalanches are possible on wind drifted features at mid and upper elevations, so avoid steep slopes where you identify wind affected snow. More sun and rising temperatures may cause wet avalanche activity on south-facing slopes. If you notice rollerballs or small wet slides, avoid similar terrain and shift to lower angle slopes or shadier aspects. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Human triggered avalanches in newly formed wind slabs were reported in the last two days in neighboring zones. Avalanche activity appeared to be limited to the new snow layer above the crust buried on Jan 10th, which is generally less than a foot deep in most places, although in some spots it's been found to be buried up to 3 ft deep. Triggered slabs were generally 6 inches to a foot deep, failing at or a little above the crust. Stability is likely improving, but it's not out of the question that you can still trigger a similar avalanche in steep, wind loaded terrain, especially if wind continues to actively blow snow around.

    You are more likely to trigger a wind slab on steep, convex features just below ridgeline. Gullies, unsupported steep slopes, and around features like cliff bands are also suspect areas for triggering a wind slab. Even though it may be getting harder to trigger a slab on Monday, be sure to throughly evaluate the snow, especially if you're above high consequence terrain like a gully, cliffs, or trees and boulders. 

    Search for wind affected snow that may be firmer, smooth and pillowlike, or rippled, all indicators that the snow is wind affected. You can evaluate the shallow upper layers with hand pits, test slopes, and other informal tests. If you've got poles you can check depths to the crust to find slabs increasing in depth easily. When in doubt, avoid wind loaded slopes greater than 35°.

    (1/12/2025)

    A snowmobile-triggered soft slab avalanche on this wind loaded rollover at the Baker NRA on Sunday. 6400', S. Note the wind textured surfaces and the more obvious "pillow" near the crown. 

    Photo: Hans Brubaker

  • Loose Wet

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

    Depending on where you were in the zone on Sunday, the snow surfaces stayed cool, or there may have been a little rollerballing on steep sunny slopes beneath rock features, or wet loose avalanches were releasing naturally. The sun already may have moistened snow enough on the southerly half of the compass that you can expect a crust to start your day on Monday. A bit more sun and warmer temperatures means we expect to see more wet loose avalanche activity on Monday. 

    Evaluate surfaces snow beneath and around you as you travel. Is the snow getting wet and heavy? Are there any rollerballs or small slides beginning to come down on steep slopes? If so, avoid traveling on similar steep slopes and the terrain beneath them. Stick to lower angle slopes or shadier aspects. 

    (12/10/2024)

    Rollerballs often precede wet loose avalanches. 

    Photo: Irene Henninger

Avalanche Discussion

Snow surfaces vary extensively, with crusts and shallow snowpacks at the bottom of the lower elevation band. As you make your way higher, surface crusts that soften in the sun may exist on the southerly half of the compass. Other aspects may have firmer wind-affected surfaces, or you might still be able to find sheltered light, dry snow pockets.

With limited information in the West Central zone, check a neighboring zone's forecast if you're planning to get out in the area. Also, check out the Observations page HERE, because there's a lot of great reports of recent avalanches and other handy bits of information if you're planning on getting out in the Cascades anytime soon. If you make it into the backcountry on Monday, please share what you saw by submitting an observation HERE, or via the app. 

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