Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions will exist on Wednesday in the West South zone. That doesn't mean avalanches can't happen in isolated locations. Even a small avalanche can end your season in high-consequence terrain or when early-season hazards are involved.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    A couple of warm sunny days separate us from our last snowstorm, helping to heal the snowpack and limit slab avalanche potential. However, plenty of evidence exists that the wind transported snow at mid and upper elevations during the storm. Although unlikely, you could still find instabilities in last weekend's storm snow if you are traveling on shaded aspects or in extreme terrain. Focus your attention on identifying convex or unsupported slopes, confined rocky chutes, or cliff bands where wind slabs often develop. 

    (12/9/2024)

    A D1.5 slab avalanche in the White Pass backcountry failed when a chunk of snow fell over a rock band. It occurred within this past weekend's new snow. 

    [E 6500' Second Bowl; SS-N-R1-D1.5-I]

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday was a bright and sunny day around the West South zone. Despite the warm temps and sunshine, very few wet avalanches were observed on steep southerly slopes. A few reports of small slides near White Pass and Crystal Mountain trickled in, but we certainly didn't have a wet avalanche cycle. We are only a short time away from the winter solstice, meaning the sun isn't particularly strong this time of year, even when it's gorgeous outside. 

On Wednesday, less sunshine and a general downtrend in freezing levels have us hedging our bets that Wet Loose won't be an issue. However, if the forecast busts and bright sunshine is baking those southerly slopes and you see new rollerballs, head for shadier aspects.

The upper snowpack around the West South has been gaining strength since Sunday's storm. Avalanche professionals and NWAC forecasters have reported a subtle layer above the 12/7 interface that has failed in handpits and a few snowpack tests. But generally, the storm snow is fairly well-bonded and settling nicely. We did receive reports of two slab avalanches in wind-loaded terrain on Monday in the White Pass area. We do not have any concerns below the 12/7 interface at this time.

Despite a healthy start to winter, early-season hazards still exist. Warm and sunny weather this month has diminished snow depth on southerly aspects and at low elevations. Keep an eye out for shallowly buried or exposed rocks, creeks, holes, and logs.

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