Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Warm conditions will increase the likelihood of wet avalanches on slopes facing the sun. Avoid being on or directly under steep terrain where you observe signs of instability like rollerballs, fresh avalanches, or if the snow simply becomes wet and heavy.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Sunday will bring a combination of rising temperatures and strong sun not yet seen in the Cascades this winter. There is almost always uncertainty about the number and size of wet loose avalanches that occur with warming. But count on finding some amount of avalanche activity on southern aspects. Wet avalanches on shaded slopes are unlikely, but it’s still worth keeping track of all aspects at all elevations as the day warms up.

    (3/5/2023)

    Small loose wet avalanches on short, steep slopes.

    Photo: Julz Holder - Grounding Truth

Avalanche Discussion

While no reactive wind slab has been reported from West Central, it is still an issue in some other forecast zones. The most notable would be in West North where four slab avalanches - three human-triggered and one large natural - were reported from wind-affected terrain since Friday. 

Track changes in snow depth and stiffness as you gain elevation or change aspects. Don’t forget to look for typical signs of wind loading like cornices and scoured or rippled snow surfaces. Find small, wind-loaded slopes or features to test wind slab reactivity. When in doubt just pick lower-angle slopes when traveling in areas where the wind has been at work.

On Saturday an NWAC Forecaster traveled to West Cady Ridge above the North Fork of the Skykomish. They found minimal avalanche danger and faceting in the topmost layer of snow. Surface hoar was also found. No signs of previous wet avalanche activity were observed, but rollerballs and a surface crust were found on southern aspects.

Regions covered