Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Make frequent observations Friday to determine how the snow may be changing along with the weather. You could find that the hazard and primary avalanche problem may shift throughout the day, forcing you to change your mindset and travel plans. Avoid wind drifted terrain and head for shaded slopes if the snow surface begins to get moist, staying aware of the terrain above you at all times.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Lingering wind slabs on leeward slopes, at the base of cliffs, or on the sides of gullies may be found on Friday, especially if you choose to venture to upper elevations or are on one of the volcanoes. These slabs may continue to be reactive to human triggers, so be sure to take the time to identify wind-loaded features where getting caught in a slide could be consequential. You can keep an eye out for freshly built cornices, textured snow surfaces, or pillow-like piles of snow to help to identify potential wind loaded areas. Hand-pits and test slopes can help determine the bond and sensitivity of any potential slab. If you find reactive pockets of snow or a poor bond, think twice before stepping into consequential terrain.

    (11/26/2020) Small wind drifts in a meadow at White Pass. N aspect 5500'

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    With the freezing level set to rise and the sun primed to make an appearance for some of the day tomorrow, keep the possibility of Wet Loose avalanches in the back of your brain. It’s not often an avalanche problem we think about this time of year, but with these rising temperatures, it may not take much solar input to help destabilize this week's snow and create some avalanches. Friday should become increasingly cloudy, so the possible window for these avalanches could be short, but if you feel the snow surface heating up, you need to be aware of your exposure to avalanche terrain. If you notice rollerballs, snow shedding from the trees or rocks, or see fan-shaped avalanche debris, seek out shaded terrain away from sun-exposed slopes above you.

    (2/23/2020) Rollerballs like these are a great indication that the snow surface is becoming wet and unstable. They can be the precursor to loose wet avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

With the introduction of rising freezing levels and the possibility of some periods of sustained sunshine on Friday, don’t immediately fall back on what you may have seen in the backcountry on Thursday. Continue to take your own observations and apply them to the terrain you are thinking of traveling on. Be aware of the terrain above you and be sure not to get caught in a difficult spot if the sun starts to warm the snow surface. Remember that it’s still early season and there are many natural hazards on or just below the snow surface. Taking a ride due to even a small avalanche could be consequential. 

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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