Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow on Friday, which you're most likely to find along ridgelines and on the leeward sides of features at mid to upper elevations. Feel for thicker snow and search for wind-textured or rippled surfaces as indicators of the presence of a slab, and avoid steep slopes where you find these conditions. On steep northerly aspects you will probably still find light dry snow, and you could trigger loose snow avalanches when you venture out onto those slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs could exist in more exposed locations along ridgelines, in gullies, around rocky outcroppings and other features on exposed mid to upper elevation terrain. Unusual wind directions shifted snow into areas that don't normally collect deposits.   Subtle drifting formed soft slabs, ones that aren't as hard as what we sometimes think of with wind slabs. These unusual softer slabs may be more tricky to identify. They may not be large enough to bury you, but if you're in high consequence terrain they could still cause harm. 

    Pay attention to changes in snow texture and depth as you gain elevation and change aspects. These changes could happen quickly, where you might find major differences in only a matter of a couple feet. Signs of recent wind-effect like scoured snow surfaces and drifting behind features are good indicators of where you might encounter additional deposits. Hand pits and test slopes can help you gauge the bond of wind slabs, but don't ignore obvious signs of instability like whumphs, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.  If you encounter these signs of instability or see clues of drifting, avoid nearby slopes that are greater than 35 degrees. 

    This is a good visual for locations of possible wind slabs. Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

The majority of avalanche activity in the last few days has been shallow loose dry avalanches on steep northerly terrain, where low-density snow still exists. If you venture out onto those slopes, pay attention to any loose snow avalanches you trigger, so that you don't get caught in the "sluff", especially if you are in high consequence terrain such as in a tight gully or above a cliff band. South-facing slopes were affected by the sun on Wednesday, and are now crusty. The unsettled spring weather might have occasional sun breaks, although we don't expect large periods of sun on Friday. Keep in mind the small chance of the crust breaking down and small wet loose avalanches. If this does happen, steer around steep southerly slopes. Conditions are variable out there, so don't let your guard down if your day has only consisted of stable powder so far. 

As springtime progresses we begin to see fewer observations in the database, making forecasting more challenging. If you make it out into the backcountry, submit observations HERE, so that we can continue to provide you with relevant, up-to-date backcountry conditions. 

Regions covered