Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

A large storm is depositing snow with strong winds Sunday night and Monday and it is very likely that you could trigger a large avalanche. Your largest concerns are in wind-affected areas where thicker drifts form on steep slopes. Steer away from steep, wind drifted slopes and the lower angle areas beneath them as well.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Large, very dangerous wind slab avalanches are a concern on Monday. Storm intensity peaks Sunday night, and a natural avalanche cycle is expected. The elevated danger continues into Monday, where natural avalanches remain likely. 

    Constantly search for clues such as active drifting of snow onto a slope, and shooting cracks. Feel for firmer snow beneath your feet, or hollow-feeling surfaces. You are most likely to find these drifts around rocky outcroppings, on the sides of gullies, or on leeward sides of terrain features. Visibility may present a challenge, nevertheless steer clear of wind-loaded slopes greater than 30 degrees and the lower angle slopes beneath them.

    (1/2/2022)

    This human-triggered wind slab occurred yesterday morning before the new snow was added to the equation- expect similar but much larger avalanches on Monday.  

    Photo: Matt Lubar- Baker Mtn Guides

Avalanche Discussion

Two very large natural avalanches occurred in recent days in the West North Zone on a deep persistent layer. The layer of concern is surface hoar found above approximately 4800ft and buried on the Solstice. It is unclear how much of this surface hoar stayed preserved, and also unknown how widely distributed the layer is, but there is a possibility that you could encounter this weak layer in the West Central Zone. This would result in large to very large avalanches, and would most likely occur on newly wind-loaded slopes.  

A foot or more of snow will fall  Sunday night, and winds will extensively redistribute it. Another 6 inches could fall during the day. In many areas, you will find drifts several feet deep. You might find deposits where you wouldn’t normally see them, such as crossloaded on features or further downslope than expected. Snow may plaster onto surfaces in some areas and stay unreactive, while in other locales you could encounter touchy slabs. Travel will present a challenge, as conditions will remain windy and snow will continue falling. If you get out on Monday, submit an OBSERVATION so we can hear how conditions were.

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