Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Cooler temperatures are finally moving in, and wind-drifted snow is your main avalanche concern on Sunday. Avalanche danger will increase as you gain elevation and as the day progresses. If you encounter snow drifts deeper than 6 inches, especially with signs like shooting cracks, stay in lower-angle terrain and avoid steep slopes.

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Newly drifted wind slabs are where you're most likely to trigger an avalanche.  Search for heavier, thicker snow deposits and steer around them on steep slopes. They commonly form around rocky outcroppings and other features, along ridgelines, and in gullies. Snow may look textured or have a smooth, pillow-like appearance. Obvious warning signs like long, shooting cracks from your weight on the snow are strong indicators that you want to stay off steep slopes. 

    Avalanche danger will increase as you gain elevation. Danger may be higher than we expect at upper elevations, so be sure to evaluate conditions as you travel.  At lower elevations, we expect only a few inches of new snow, which will probably bond well to the underlying wet layer. Generally, in non-wind-loaded areas, we think the new snow layer will be less reactive, since it is probably well-bonded to the underlying layer, and cooling temperatures will create a more stable "right side up" effect. In all areas, you can dig hand pits down to the old snow and see how easily snow slides on the underlying layer.

    (1/3/2026)

    Scoured featuers can help you anticipate slopes that could hold fresh wind slabs. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

We'll get a few inches of snow at upper elevations Friday night, and during the day, we expect to receive about 6 inches with snowlines dropping down into the lower elevation band. Wind will shift the snow around. There's a chance that, given the previously warm weather, all the new snow will stay plastered in place and won't be as reactive, but it's hard to tell beforehand. Be sure to evaluate this as you travel. When in doubt, stick to lower-angle terrain. 

Observers in neighboring zones over the last few days have found semi-supportable wet crusts up through mid elevations. Varying amounts of wet avalanche activity happened, although a good chunk of it was limited to rollerballs. A few glide cracks popped up in the last few days, and they may still be active as temperatures are just beginning to cool on Sunday. Consider giving the area beneath gaping glide cracks a wide berth. 

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