Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Unsettled springlike weather is bringing precipitation throughout the day, with wind ramping up in the afternoon. At higher elevations, dry snow avalanches could catch you out in thicker, wind drifted deposits so avoid those areas on steep slopes. Where you find wet snow, you can expect natural or human triggered wet loose avalanches on steep slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Snow will slowly accumulate and avalanche danger will increase as the day progresses. We'll probably only get 3-5 inches at mid and upper elevations by the end of the day. Winds will increase in the afternoon, and as snow drifts into thicker and heavier deposits, identify these spots as places where you could trigger an avalanche. 

    Search for signs of actively blowing snow. Hunt for clues like cornices, and identify likely areas where wind deposits snow such as in gullies, around features and along ridges.  Long, shooting cracks are also strong indicators you could trigger an avalanche on steep slopes. Avoid slopes greater than 35° when thicker wind-drifted deposits start approaching six inches or more in depth.

  • Loose Wet

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

    In the spring it's really hard to tell exactly how wet loose avalanche activity will play out on a daily basis. More activity happened than expected on Sunday in neighboring zones and probably in the West Central zone too. You can read about THIS observation from Hidden Lake Lookout, just north of the West Central zone. Someone was caught and carried at Stevens Pass as well (OBSERVATION). One of our forecasters was out at Snoqualmie Pass on Monday and shared some great information about wet loose avalanche activity, which applies to all zones, and you can check out his video HERE.

    Lately we've been getting "greenhousing" when clouds trap heat in and moistening happens on all aspects. A lot of our previously low-density dry snow was affected by greenhousing at mid and lower elevations, and the snow ran easily on the underlying crust, around 6 inches below the snow surface. This may happen on Monday, but as previously mentioned, it's hard to nail this problem so it may or may not be as much of an issue on Monday. 

    Avalanches could start small but then suprise you by spanning wide and picking up a lot of mass as they run. First thing in the morning it might not happen but as it gets warmer activity may start. You could trigger one if you're out on a steep slope, especially if there aren't any tracks on it and surfaces are smooth. They may also run naturally. Naturals are more likely to happen in areas with rocks nearby or if trees drip or deposit snow on the surface, but it could be anywhere steep depending on the conditions. If you notice any new activity, or if temperatures are getting warmer and snow getting wetter, it's time to avoid steep slopes- but also traveling in areas beneath steep slopes as well, as natural avalanches could run down and hit you. 

Avalanche Discussion

Spring conditions tend to be a little tricky to forecast. Whether it's listed as a problem or not, always have wet loose avalanche activity on your radar, and keep in mind that these conditions may change throughout the day. Other springtime hazards to continuously remain alert around are glide cracks and cornices, as this isn't a good time to travel beneath them. Although unlikely, one could release at any moment and maybe you'll be the lucky one who is underneath when it happens. 

Your avalanche, snowpack, or weather observations are extremely valuable to the avalanche community. Help create a more accurate forecast by submitting your observations HERE. 

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