Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Avalanche danger should be minimal on Friday, but you might still find an avalanche in locations with recent wind loading. Look for drifting snow, cornices, scoured ridgelines, and stiffer, wind-drifted snow . Low snow coverage can be found in many areas

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Wind slab observations were mixed over the last week. Many observers around West North reported minimally wind-affected snow, even at upper elevations. Yet one person triggered a small slab and took a short ride on Wednesday in the Baker Backcountry. This is an example of an avalanche problem that’s isolated in distribution.

    You are most likely to find this problem along upper-elevation ridgelines, in complex terrain like gullies and couloirs, below cliff bands, or on steep, unsupported slopes. Look for and assess wind-drifted snow as you gain elevation or change aspects.  Getting caught in a small wind slab could still result in getting pushed into a terrain trap or dragged across rocks, stumps, etc. 

    If you observe more wind than forecast, be prepared to find fresh, reactive slabs that will take a more conservative strategy to navigate safely.

    A scoured or rippled snow surface is a clue you could find wind slab nearby.

Avalanche Discussion

An observer in the Baker BC reported 6-12” of recent snow over a firmer, rain-affected layer. Signs of recent wind transport were observed at mid-elevations but were isolated in distribution. Sun and warming had previously spurred a round of very small, loose snow avalanches. They were almost all found below cliffs that had shed snow. Good riding conditions in soft, settled snow were found on shaded slopes. 

Older wind slabs should be gaining strength and trending towards unreactive. But there is enough loose snow available for transport that small slabs could form in areas that see moderate winds. A weak system will pass by to the north on Friday and put down a trace to an inch of snow. While the new snow amounts are inconsequential, any increase in wind speeds could make for a slight uptick in danger.

Regions covered