Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Large natural avalanches were reported in neighboring zones on Monday, and we have a small lull before Tuesday night when we'll be greeting our next big snowstorm. A lot of variety exists throughout the zone regarding weekend snowfall amounts and avalanche activity, so plan on avoiding all steep slopes to avoid triggering and getting caught in a large, dangerous avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Backcountry users in neighboring zones reported large, natural avalanches (HERE, HERE) and we suspect similar avalanches recently occurred in the West Central zone as well. There's a lot of different things going on depending on where you are in the zone: Areas further north received about 2ft of snow, while southern locations saw closer to 4ft. Wind had minimal effect in some areas, but created touchy conditions in others.

    This isn't the time to get out into steep terrain. Avoid all slopes greater than 30°. If you're in locations where snow could be more reactive, such as places where there are new wind slabs and actively blowing snow, or if you have any doubt, you may need to take a step further back and avoid runouts beneath steep slopes as well. 

    (2/26/2024)

    Remote triggered slab avalanche from snowmobiling beneath the ridgeline in the neighboring West North zone. Approximately maximum of 2ft deep, about 50ft width, 30ft high.  

    Photo: Jeff Hambelton - Elevated Backcountry

Avalanche Discussion

Surface hoar may be present on some sheltered slopes that aren't south-facing from before the weekend's snowfall. Other weak, faceted layers may exist, as far down as the Early February Crust, 1-2ft beneath the new storm snow layers. Some of the avalanches reported on Monday may have failed on these deeper layers. There's uncertainty as to how reactive and widespread these weak layers are, but it's worth keeping in mind that there is a small chance you could trigger an avalanche that might propogate much farther and be deeper than expected.

Storm snow avalanche problems may come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They may be wind-affected hard slabs, or possibly non wind-affected slabs. You might just get dry loose avalanches.  Many tests that we use to detect shallower weaknesses are not useful with the new snow depths we received in some areas. You may not get obvious clues such as cracking or whumphing, yet you could trigger a large avalanche if you travel out on the steeps. Some slopes may slide, yet others may not. It's tough to tell right now. 

Previous to the weekend's storm, creeks and large holes were exposed up to 5000ft. The few feet of snow that's fallen on top has sneakily hidden these features, which you may still fall into. It's also time to think about tree well immersions. Most riders reported great conditions in neighboring zones, but the take-home for Tuesday is that there's a lot of variety and uncertainty right now, so enjoy your outing while sticking to low-angle terrain. We'll only get an inch or two of snow on Tuesday, but you can expect another 2+ feet by Wednesday evening.  Please share what you saw if you make it out on Tuesday.

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