Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger large avalanches on rollovers and wind-loaded slopes 35 degrees and steeper, especially at upper elevations. Be ready to make assessments as you travel as snow and avalanche conditions may vary from one slope to the next. Bring a conservative mindset and gather information before committing to consequential routes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Another 6-10in of new snow fell over the past 24 hours bringing snow totals since 3/18 to 2-3ft. Several human-triggered avalanches occurred over the past few days in adjacent zones including a few close calls on Shuksan Arm, one of which resulted in a partial burial. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Observers at Stevens Pass on Wednesday reported touchy slabs failing 8in deep on the 3/24 interface. Although snowfall looks to taper off by Wednesday night, the recent storm snow needs time to settle and stabilize. Expect the thickest slabs in wind-loaded terrain above treeline. Avalanches could break on a variety of storm layers from the past week. The most recent storm snow from Tuesday/Wednesday may even rest atop a layer of buried surface hoar, especially in wind-sheltered areas above 4000ft on north and east aspects. Ease into terrain slowly on Thursday and gather information as you travel. Use hand pits, column tests, and inconsequential test slopes to assess the recent snow. If you find recent avalanches, cracking, collapsing, or sudden or propagating fractures in tests, choose simpler terrain and slopes less than 35 degrees. Bring a conservative mindset and keep making assessments throughout the day as you change aspects and elevations.

    (3/23/2021) This large slab avalanche failed within recent snow about 10 inches deep in the West North Zone (Canyon Creek) on Tuesday. Unknown trigger.

Avalanche Discussion

Snowfall from Tuesday/Wednesday accumulated on a wide variety of snow surfaces that may include crusts, facets, surface hoar, and settled snow. This may cause the snow to respond very differently from one slope to the next. You could see avalanches fail very easily if they occur over weak persistent grains. Do your homework before committing to steeper terrain and bring fresh eyes to each slope you plan to ski or ride.

In addition to slabs of new and wind drifted snow, loose avalanches may be a factor on Thursday. In steep, wind-sheltered terrain, dry loose sluffs could run far and fast. Although cloudy skies look to significantly limit solar radiation, the sun could play a factor if the cloud cover forecast does not verify. Be heads up if the sun comes out for any prolonged period of time.Cold, dry snow surfaces could rapidly lose strength and loose wet avalanches could even grow large on steep, E-S-W facing slopes.

Sadly, a fatality occurred in the Lake Tahoe area in California on Saturday when a snowmobiler stepped too close to the edge of a cornice and it broke on them. You can read the report HERE. Stay far away from the edge of cornices and the slopes beneath them as they continue to grow larger. Glide cracks are also widening, and despite cooler temperatures, exercise caution by avoiding or limiting your time beneath them. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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