Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

The volcanoes could be capable of producing avalanches as the sun warms the snow surface on Friday. In other areas of the zone, you can expect to find generally safe avalanche conditions. Travel conditions may continue to be hazardous throughout the zone on steep firm slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The volcanoes received just enough snow during Wednesday night’s storm that when combined with sunny weather on Friday, there is a chance of some small Wet Loose avalanches occurring. Look for these avalanches to start at a point, such as near rocks or trees, on steep slopes that receive direct solar input. These slides are capable of running far distances and often fan out while entraining snow as they move downhill. If you notice that the snow surface is getting wet and sticky from the sun, or notice precursors to these avalanches such as rollerballs and pinwheels, head for shadier slopes, staying aware of sun-exposed slopes above you.

    (1/19/2021) A recent loose wet avalanche was observed in the Van Trump area of Mt Rainier due to solar input. This slide may have occurred Jan 18th. Similar slides may occur on the volcanoes on Friday.

Avalanche Discussion

A small storm impacted our zone Wednesday night into Thursday, with most areas picking up a few inches of snow on top of a strong snowpack. The volcanoes were once again the outliers and picked up enough snow for us to talk about some small avalanches on Friday. The name of the game on the volcanoes will be loose avalanches, and we’ll briefly mention the two types: Wet and Dry. Your exposure to the sun will dictate which type of avalanche problem you may be dealing with. As we discussed above, Wet Loose avalanches may occur on slopes that see solar input on Friday and pose the highest potential hazard. On the opposite side of the dial, polar slopes that don’t see much sun could produce some small Dry Loose avalanches. These “sluffs” are often marginalized, but you shouldn’t let one knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. New snow fell on a variety of snow surfaces, including firm and icy surface crusts. Steep slopes where cold dry new snow sits on top of these crusts is where you may find some Dry Loose action. 

Areas closer to the crest may contain generally safe avalanche conditions on Friday compared to the volcanoes. However, the information and messaging provided above are transferable to any area of the zone where you find more than a few inches of new snow.

Travel conditions have been the hazard most likely to ruin your day recently. A bit of new snow will help to lessen this hazard, but it still exists. Those firm and icy surfaces may just be hidden under a dusting of new snow in some locations, maintaining a long slides possible hazard. Continue to travel cautiously, planning enough time and bringing the right equipment to deal with these difficult travel conditions.

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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