Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low avalanche danger doesn't mean no avalanche danger. Little is known about conditions at the upper reaches of the above treeline elevation band, and small wind slab pockets may surprise you at those elevations. Continue to pay attention to the snow as you travel and have a plan and bail options if you're traveling into high-consequence, steep and committing terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Wind impacted upper-elevation terrain Saturday evening and small, isolated wind slabs could exist in the above treeline elevation band. If you're traveling at this elevation, evaluate steep slopes before you head out on them, and if you travel into high-consequence steep terrain, which is where you may be able to trigger an avalanche, make sure to have a partner nearby and an escape route planned. When in doubt steer around steep, wind-loaded features, especially if you identify accompanying terrain traps on the slope.

    (1/29/2023)

    Plenty of wind-affected snow exists throughout the zone. Despite low danger, pay attention to snow surfaces and remain alert to the presence of shallow instabilities, especially as you reach higher elevations. 

    Photo: Lee Lazzara

Avalanche Discussion

Low-density snow still exists despite the wind we've been seeing the last couple days. Be wary of triggering dry loose avalanches as you enter steep, shady slopes. Another factor to consider with low density surface snow is the formation of near surface facets during this stretch of high pressure. These are weak crystals that are developing in the uppermost portion of our snowpack. It's not a problem right now but it's something we'll be keeping on our mind when the next snowfall is on the horizon. Meanwhile, steep southerly terrain has a crust on the surface, making travel more difficult. Snow surfaces vary from firm and wind-affected, to sun crusts, to powder. Monday morning is going to start clear and cold before clouds enter the region by the afternoon and temperatures will begin to rise. 

A lot of variable snow surfaces, obstacles, and openings are present throughout the zone right now. Keep your head on a swivel while you're out there so you don't fall victim to any of these hazards. 

Regions covered