Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Identify and assess slopes holding wind drifted snow. Small avalanches can have big consequences in terrain with trees, rocks, or cliffs in the runout below. Crusty and wind affected snow surfaces will make traveling through the mountains more difficult than usual.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Moderate winds at upper elevations could drift any remaining soft snow into thin slabs. Wind slabs should mostly be small and isolated in distribution but easily triggered in locations where they rest over slick crust. Pay attention to changes in snow depth and texture. Use clues like scoured surfaces and cornices to figure out the wind loading pattern in the terrain around you. Pockets of winds slab should have a smooth appearance while the surrounding snow might look roughed up or jagged. Hand shears and test slopes can help you gauge if wind slabs are reactive. 

    (1/15/2024)

    Scoured snow and crust are both visible on this wind exposed terrain feature. The loose snow that was on the surface was blown onto a leeward slope. 

Avalanche Discussion

A firm crust tops the snowpack on sun-exposed slopes. You will probably find some variety of crust on other aspects at low and mid elevations. All kinds of wind affected snow can be found in the alpine. Don’t expect much of a change with high pressure forecast well into next week.

West Central picked up an inch of new snow on Thursday, with double that amount in select locations. Avalanche activity in neighboring zones was limited mostly to wet avalanches that occurred between Monday and Wednesday.  Lingering instability in a layer of weak facets over the Jan 10th crust is still out there, albeit very isolated in distribution. Observers have noted big changes in layering at the crust over short distances. The faceted layer 6-12” down was observed as rounded on most slopes, but preserved and intact on a few others. Isolated whumping was also reported in West North.  

 

 

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