Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A significant winter storm will impact the region Saturday. Monitor changing conditions and anticipate increasing avalanche danger when snowfall and winds intensify. Avalanches will be unlikely in the morning, but by afternoon you could trigger an avalanche in freshly wind-loaded alpine terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Expect cloudy and windy conditions for most of Saturday before the storm rolls in late afternoon. There is some old snow still available for transport, but concerning wind slab development will really begin when the snow starts to fall. For most of the day, you will encounter LOW danger. When precipitation turns on, expect snowpack stability to rapidly deteriorate. Pay attention as conditions change and the winds begin to redistribute snow into thicker drifts. Any potential avalanches should be shallow, but don't be caught off guard in steeper terrain around rocks, cliffs, and trees where even a small avalanche could be consequential. Look and feel for changes in snow surface texture and hardness to help you identify and avoid fresh slabs of wind drifted snow on upper elevation slopes 35 degrees and steeper.

    Example: watch for blowing snow and fresh wind loading as signs of developing wind slabs.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

A long-awaited storm will bring a big change in conditions over the weekend. Saturday will be the transitionary day from a week of spring-like weather to the return of winter. For most of Saturday, there will still be plenty of variable surfaces to contend with out there. When the snow does start to fly, it should be a quick transition to whiteout conditions with plenty of blowing snow. Pay attention as the storm ramps up and keep your return routes in mind as visibility worsens throughout the day. The heaviest precipitation rates look to occur overnight Saturday, and snowfall should continue through Monday.

NWAC forecasters traveled around Paradise on Friday and found generally safe avalanche conditions. Small wet loose activity occurred on steep sunny slopes, while there was some soft dry powder left on shady slopes sheltered from the wind. In addition to the wide variety of snow surfaces that will be buried by incoming snow, two prominent crusts still exist in the upper snowpack - one buried on Valentine's Day and the other in late January. We will be tracking the upper snowpack carefully through the loading event this weekend. Be sure to dig down and assess these layers cerfully looking for weak snow, or sudden and easy failures. 

Regions covered