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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Monday’s cold front brought 6 - 12+ inches of snow and strong winds to the area. You may still trigger avalanches in steep terrain where the wind drifted the new snow.  Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees in areas that appear pillowed, firm and smooth. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs developed on many aspects and at all elevations during Monday’s intense burst of wind and snowfall. While we have limited information in the West Central zone, there have been reports that these slabs have been easily triggered in neighboring areas. Freshly deposited pockets of snow will continue to be reactive on Tuesday. Watch for them in gullies, around cliff bands, and on broad leeward slopes. Identify wind slabs with clues such as nearby cornices and dense textured snow surfaces.  Stick to slopes with no signs of loading, or lower angle terrain.

    Shallow wind slab failing within recent wind drifted snow

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Loose wet avalanches may occur on steep sunny aspects in the afternoon.  A big question mark is how much the snow will warm up on Tuesday.  Consider the snow surface: firm and wind hammered surfaces will require a lot more heat before they become reactive versus low-density storm snow.  Watch for rollerballs and pinwheels as indicators before small avalanches start coming down.  If you see these signs retreat to other aspects on the compass.

    Pinwheels are good indicators before loose wet avalanches may occur

Avalanche Discussion

Our recent storm’s snow has landed on a substantial early season base of 40-60 inches.  We have a strong snowpack and I suspect that any new avalanches will occur in our latest snowfall.  Investigate the bond between this new snow layer and the surface beneath it, as reports have come from neighboring areas that failures are occurring at the interface. 

Snow lines in the West Central zone are averaging 2500 - 3000ft, impressive for this time of year.  Remember that it is still early season and there are plenty of obstacles such as hidden logs, rocks, streams, and variable snow conditions at these lower elevations to stay alert for.

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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