Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

Avalanches are likely as snowfall continues over the next few days.  Expect snow to shed on steep slopes, especially where wind drifts the snow into deeper deposits. Travel on slopes less than 35 degrees as the snowpack adjusts to the added load of new snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    You can trigger large avalanches within new snow above the December 9 crust.  The snow above the crust may have weakened during our short period of high pressure over the weekend.  This would especially be the case further south and east, closer to where it has been reported at Stevens Pass.  Above that layer surface hoar could be present.  The surface hoar was destroyed on sunny aspects and possibly from wind on Sunday before snow began to fall again, but you may still be able to find it preserved on some mid elevation treeless slopes on east, north and west aspects. It is unclear how widespread the surface hoar and weak snow problem may be, so stay off suspect slopes at this time. 

    Expect more slab development at higher elevations as wind plays a role in redistributing the snow into thicker more reactive deposits.  While you travel, observe wind blowing snow across slopes. Feel for changes underfoot as the snow goes from light and fluffy to firmer and breaking with cracks around you.  With snowfall continuing throughout the day Wednesday, stick to slopes less than 35 degrees.

    Slab avalanches are likely on steep slopes.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    Wet loose avalanches could occur at elevations below 4500 feet where the snow surface may be moist. In steep areas rollerballs near rock bands and from snow clumps falling off trees are the first indicators of a weak snow surface. Avalanches usually follow, so stay out of areas where you notice rollerballs falling.

    Lose wet avalanches in steep areas below rock bands

Avalanche Discussion

Snowfall will continue through Wednesday, so expect avalanche danger to increase throughout the day.  You may notice small loose dry avalanches at upper elevations as snowfall amounts increase. These will be found in steep areas with light, fluffy snow. They may not be enough to bury you, but even small avalanches could be a problem if they push you into trees, rocks or gullies.

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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