Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Take note of steep, sunlit terrain, where shedding snow and big rollerballs could knock you off your feet in consequential terrain. Be prepared for variable travel conditions, including a mix of crusts—some solid and others less supportive. For more consistent snow quality, look to shady, north-facing slopes, which may still offer cold snow and enjoyable sliding. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    On the fifth day of this persistent weather pattern, any remaining wet loose avalanche potential is likely limited to exposed, rocky, cliffy terrain basking in Wednesday’s sun. However, warm overnight temperatures may prevent a deep refreeze on some slopes, causing crusts to break down earlier in the day than expected. Snow surfaces can change quickly with subtle shifts in aspect or slope angle, so stay attentive to signs like recent avalanches, rollerballs, or sinking past your boot tops into wet snow.

    You can manage the potential hazard by sticking to supportable crusts, giving a wide margin to overhead terrain with signs of warming, and seeking out cooler, shady aspects.

    (12/2/2024)

    Wet loose point releases in the West South on a SW aspect at 6000'. This image was taken on Monday, 12/2, and we suspect the slides may be from sometime over the weekend prior.

Avalanche Discussion

Tuesday marked the fourth day of clear skies and mild temperatures at upper elevations, accompanied by low-elevation cloud cover and inversions depending on your location in the West South. A recent observation from Stevens Pass captures the general conditions we expect across the zone. The picture is supported by an observation from Crystal Mountain Pro Patrol, who reported large rollerballs entraining some snow but not traveling far or triggering wet loose avalanches.

With little change in weather, a low December sun, and several days of freeze-thaw cycles, we suspect wet avalanche activity has peaked. Slopes that were prone to sliding have likely already done so, leaving less terrain susceptible to further wet avalanche activity.

Variable snow surfaces should be on your radar on Wednesday. Early December isn’t delivering much in the way of corn skiing, and crust variability could make travel both challenging and dangerous. Plan your exit carefully—not just for overhead hazards but also for the difficulties of navigating through unsupportable, mushy snow late in the day. At lower elevations, continue to allow extra time for dodging creeks, brush, and exposed rocks.

With some potential weather on the horizon, your observations are super valuable to our backcountry community. If you head out into the mountains, please reach out and let us know what you saw.  Observations don't need to be complicated; just a quick few sentences and/or some photos can really help paint the picture!

Regions covered