Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Dangerous wind slabs exist after Sunday’s large snow and wind event. It is likely that you can trigger an avalanche on wind loaded slopes.  Avoid areas greater than 35 degrees where wind deposited the fresh snow into thick, reactive slabs. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Over a foot of snow and gale force southerly winds at upper elevations deposited snow into large slabs on Sunday. Snowfall is minimal on Monday however the snowpack will remain sensitive to a human trigger on steep slopes. The intense wind may have deposited snow in unusual locations, such as lower on a slope than you would normally expect. 

    Identify wind loaded features like smooth, pillowed slopes or rippled snow surfaces. Feel for thicker or hollow snow. Search for recent signs of avalanches and other bullseye clues. Loading most likely occurred in gullies and around features or on leeward slopes. Find these areas where wind deposited the new snow and avoid them on slopes greater than 35 degrees on Monday.  The safest option is to stick to wind-sheltered slopes below treeline.

    A recent large snowboarder triggered slab avalanche on the Shuksan arm, similar to what you might see on Monday. Photo: Adam U

Avalanche Discussion

The last 24 hours’ snow fell on a variety of surfaces, from heavy powder at higher elevation north facing slopes to smooth or textured crusts on the southern half of the compass.  THIS observer in lower elevations at Canyon Creek found good bonding between the new and old snow layers on Sunday, but the strength between the layers is unknown in many areas, something to remain aware of as you travel on Sunday.  Occasional avalanches were continuing to occur in previous storm interfaces from the last week before the recent storm. There is a small chance that avalanches might still occur on north facing slopes deeper than just the new snow layer, making them very dangerous and several feet deep.  

Small wet loose avalanches or rollerballs might occur on steep southerly slopes Monday afternoon, as skies begin to clear. Pay attention to the snow surface, and if low density snow begins to get moist, avoid traveling on or beneath steep nearby slopes.  Cornices are also continuing to grow larger and becoming more likely to fail, triggering large avalanches on the wind loaded slopes beneath. Give them a wide berth as you travel.  

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.

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