Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It is possible that you can trigger slab avalanches in steep wind affected terrain on Saturday.  Your extra weight could cause an avalanche on slopes that were loaded with many feet of new snow in the last week. Tread carefully on slopes greater than 35 degrees, starting with identifying wind loaded slopes and avoiding them.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Human triggered slab avalanches are possible on Friday. You will find the most reactive snow on wind loaded slopes, maybe only 6-12 inches deep, or it could break several feet down on earlier storm layers. Shallower avalanches on non-wind loaded slopes still large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person could also happen.  

    Uncertainty remains on how reactive specific slopes are. Assess the local snowpack if you choose to tackle steeper terrain, including digging at least a meter down in the snow to identify weak layers using stability tests. Venture onto smaller slopes before committing to larger ones.  Look and feel for stiffer wind affected snow and check constantly for instabilities in the top foot or two of snow with hand pits before heading onto steeper slopes.

    A slab avalanche that was triggered by a cornice fall on Wednesday in the West North zone. Photo: John Wells

Avalanche Discussion

Numerous avalanches from small to very large in size ran in the West North zone during the 8 day atomospheric river that concluded January 6. 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”, dry loose 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), but could catch you by surprise. Likelihood has decreased in the subsequent days, but continue to stay alert for these small avalanches on shady slopes. 

There is a lot of untouched terrain in the West Central zone, so for this beautiful weekend day approach new terrain with an open mindset. You may see a different snowpack from what I saw, requiring you to carefully evaluate your travel decisions. If you venture out, share what you saw in an observation. 

Natural hazards are become more pronounced with added snow. 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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