Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

A thick layer of soggy snow means you might still be able to trigger a wet avalanche, and this is especially the case if intense sun cooks steep, south-facing slopes further. There's an increased risk of cornice fall and snow chunks breaking off steep cliff bands with the warm temperatures we're experiencing right now. If the snow is frozen, there's very little chance that you'll trigger an avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet avalanches could still happen if the snow stays soggy. We suspect most natural activity has already occurred, with any remaining avalanches more likely to be human-triggered. If skies clear and we get a freeze Wednesday night, avalanche activity should be mostly limited to steep southerly slopes as they soften in the sun. Keep in mind that cloud cover and overnight freezing may vary across the zone, and light to moderate winds could slow additional surface warming.

    The most likely places to trigger wet avalanches will be on steep, open slopes with fewer surface irregularities. If you’re wallowing in wet, heavy snow deeper than a couple inches, that’s a good signal to dial back to lower-angle terrain. As the sun heats and softens slopes, shift to shadier aspects.

    Use extra caution around terrain traps, where even a small avalanche could push you into rocks, trees, creeks, or off a cliff.

    Example photo: Wet slides that were triggered by skiers crossing the top of the slope. This is similar to what you might cause on Thursday. 

Avalanche Discussion

Freezing levels will soar to over 12,000ft on Thursday. Beware additional snow hazards, like increased chances of cornice fall, and isolated blocks of snow perched on steep, rocky cliffs breaking free and sliding down. Either of these failures could entrain more snow as they reach snow-covered slopes. Although most areas with glide avalanche concerns probably still have a thick crust locking them in place, you might consider traveling quickly beneath gaping glide cracks. 

Forecasters in the West North, Stevens, and Snoqualmie zones found spotty, irregular snow cover at lower elevations. Once on skis, the snow was soft but stubborn. Any avalanche activity had already happened, although they wouldn't be surprised if a human trigger would initiate a slide on a very steep slope, most likely at higher elevations. 

Regions covered