Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger a slab avalanche in the new storm snow, which is most likely to occur near and above treeline, and possibly a foot or more in depth. Avalanche activity is expected to be highest in the morning, as we're receiving another 6 inches overnight before snowfall slows during the day. Steer around all steep slopes while the snowpack settles, especially in areas with thicker, wind-affected deposits where snow will be more reactive and resulting avalanches could be larger. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm slabs could avalanche with a human trigger on steep slopes on Sunday. On Saturday, the neighboring Snoqualmie Pass zone had human-triggered storm slab avalanches failing within the new snow layer.  We've received around 1 1/2 ft of snow, and potentially have a smooth (3/31) crust that could make a good sliding surface for any avalanches failing under the new snow. This slick underlying layer likely exists on most aspects aside from north, and could produce faster and longer-running avalanches.

    Although any steep slopes with a thick storm slab could be a concern on Sunday, locations with thicker, wind drifted snow will likely be easier to trigger an avalanche, and the avalanche will probably be larger.  If you experience long, shooting cracks from your feet or sled, recent avalanches, or experience any other signs of instability, take this as obvious clues that avalanches could occur on steep nearby slopes. Avoid slopes greater than 35° to let the storm snow settle on Sunday. 

    (4/1/2023)

    A skier triggered Storm Slab on a convexity in the Alpental Valley in Big Trees.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

Storm totals are expected to be around 1 1/2 ft of snow by the end of the day Sunday in the West Central zone. We expect numbers to vary extensively depending on where you are in the zone, and some locations may only have half that amount.  If you see less than 6 inches of snow where you travel, your primary avalanche concern will likely be wind slabs. 

Sun breaks are possible amidst the scattered snow showers you can expect on Sunday, and small wet loose avalanches could run if steep slopes moisten enough. The new low density snow could also run as a dry sluffs on steep slopes as well. On the southerly half of the compass, snow could get a little heavier and more slablike, becoming easier to avalanche with a human trigger. If you make it out into the West Central zone please submit an observation to let us know what conditions were like where you traveled.

Regions covered