Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Heavy snowfall is expected overnight and into the early morning, with strong winds lasting until midday. Plan on traveling in lower-angle terrain and limit exposure to big slopes overhead, especially those where you observe active wind load. If snowfall exceeds forecast amounts and lasts longer into the day, then avalanche danger will approach HIGH.

   

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Another morning of new snow and strong winds will greet backcountry users on Friday. It could be a repeat of Thursday with stable snow and minimal avalanche activity. It’s just as likely that we will see more avalanches as the new snow starts to stack up. Also, small variations in temperature, wind, and snowfall can make for big changes in the likelihood of triggering an avalanche.

    You're most likely to trigger a slab on steep, wind-loaded slopes, but the abundance of new snow means even sheltered spots can be unstable. Quick tests - like hand shears, stomping on wind drifted features, or small slope tests - can show the bond of new snow layers. Marginal visibility might keep you out of big terrain no matter what kind of results you get. When in doubt, stick with simple, low-angle slopes.

    (3/25/2023)

    A slab avalanche that released in layers of new snow.  Photo from a prior winter.

    Photo: Jason Speer

Avalanche Discussion

The sun should stay in check on Friday, but if it does make it out, start looking for wet avalanches. Higher-than-expected snow levels and warm low-elevation temperatures could also cause some wet snow to move down the hill. Tree bombs and rollerballs are the first signs that the snow is warming.

Small avalanches releasing in layers of new and wind drifted snow were reported from Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. While those areas didn't see startling amounts of snowfall, they did see a bit more wind over the course of the day than other areas. Less avalanche activity was reported to the north. In general, snowfall amounts were slightly less than anticipated, but there is still a good 4-12" of new snow out there, depending on elevation and location in the forecast zone

 

 

 

 

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