Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It is possible that you can trigger slab avalanches on mid and upper elevation terrain on Friday. The snow is still adjusting to the large storm which came to an end Wednesday morning. Travel carefully by starting on small slopes and assessing snow layers for weaknesses before exposing yourself to larger slopes greater than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Slab avalanches triggered by a human are possible in steep terrain on Friday. You will find the most reactive snow on wind loaded slopes, maybe only 6-12 inches deep, or possibly breaking several feet down on earlier storm layers. Shallower avalanches on non-wind loaded slopes large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person could also occur.  The couple inches of snow forecasted for Friday are not enough to change the problem. 

    Uncertainty remains on how reactive these slopes are, but after such a major weather event, it is worth it to exercise caution and give these slopes a bit more time to heal. Test smaller slopes before committing to larger ones.  Look and feel for stiffer wind affected snow and check for near surface instabilities with hand pits. Consider digging a snowpit to check layers at least a meter deep for weaknesses before committing to steeper slopes.

    A slab avalanche on a NW aspect, 6150ft near Boulder Benchmark. It probably failed during the Jan 5/6 storm. Crown depths were 6-12".

Avalanche Discussion

A natural avalanche cycle occurred after the week-long snowstorm Jan 5-6 in areas of the West North Zone. I travelled up to 6000ft near Boulder Lake on Wednesday and found few signs of large avalanches like what our neighbors experienced. I did find a couple larger (D2) slab avalanches, and a lot of “sluffing”, loose dry avalanches, on steep slopes in the storm snow both having run naturally that morning, and then skier triggered upon my return.  These were small,  D1's, but could catch you by surprise. Likelihood has probably decreased in the subsequent two days, but continue to stay alert for these small avalanches .  

Below 4000ft the snow surface was wet and in thick trees snow cover was inconsistent. Lower freezing levels on Friday will lead to icy snow and challenging travel in below treeline areas.  At higher elevations massive amounts of recent snow is causing other natural hazards to become more pronounced. Do not travel near the edge of cornices, as they tend to break further back than expected. Tree well and deep snow immersion are a very real problem in the area. Learn more about deep snow immersions 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.

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