Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind slabs developed in the new snow over the last few days. You can trigger avalanches within the top couple feet of snow, primarily in areas where thicker, more reactive slabs were deposited on leeward slopes.  Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially where you notice thicker wind affected layers, and do not linger in terrain beneath large avalanche paths. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You can trigger an avalanche in wind loaded areas on Saturday. On Friday observers in the West North zone saw avalanches failing in the new snow layers 6-12 inches deep, and spots that were wind affected were the most reactive. This is similar to conditions in the West Central zone. Feel for thicker and stiffer snow, and look for textured or smooth, pillow-like surfaces to help identify where wind slabs are located. 

    Instabilities are settling out quicker in non-wind affected terrain as temperatures are warming. Keep storm slab avalanches at all elevations on your mind, and  regularly check shallow interfaces with quick hand pits in the top 1-2ft as you’re travelling to determine whether any layers easily fail. Loose snow avalanches are also a possibility in steep areas, which will probably stay small but may surprise you if they catch up with you as you’re making your way down a slope.  Steer around slopes steeper than 35 degrees, and be more cautious if you notice wind-loaded snow nearby, by possibly avoiding terrain beneath large wind loaded slopes as well.

    A recent wind slab avalanche in a neighboring zone. Photo: Patrick Kennedy

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Although unlikely, if you find a sweet spot, you may trigger an avalanche on the mid-January persistent weak layer, now buried 4-6+ ft deep. 10 days have passed since the last known avalanche ran on this layer in neighboring zones. With the recent new load and a lack of observations, continue being cautious while so much uncertainty is present. Stay well away from big, steep, and open slopes near and above treeline. Travel carefully through runouts beneath large slopes while this danger lingers.

    Natural avalanches which probably occurred early February on the east side of 3 Fingers. These may have failed in the mid-January weak layer.

Avalanche Discussion

About 3-5 inches of snow will fall Friday night and a couple inches will fall on Saturday, on top of the several feet that fell in the last week. We will keep seeing avalanches in the new snow layers as snowfall continues. Tree well and deep snow immersion hazards are a serious problem with all our recent snow. Find out more information about deep snow safety HERE. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

Regions covered