Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

If you trigger an avalanche it will probably be on a recently formed wind slab at upper elevations. We expect slabs to be small, however an uptick in afternoon winds could cause larger slabs to develop later in the day. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recently formed wind slabs are where you're most likely to trigger an avalanche on Wednesday.  Deposits are probably small, and it is most likely in isolated pockets that you could find a reactive slab. Search for clues of wind loading, indicated by rippled, textured surfaces or smooth, rounded pillows. Drifts tend to  form on leeward sides of features. These include convex rollovers, gully walls, or around rock outcroppings and cliffs. 

    Approach steep, wind-affected slopes with caution, especially if they are in high consequence locations like around terrain traps. As most weaknesses are probably a foot or less in depth, you can do simple hand tests or skin track cuts in order to determine if a slab may be reactive from a nearby lower-angle area. Increasing winds in the afternoon could help slabs grow in size. If in doubt, steer around the steep, wind-loaded location. 

    (1/2/2023)

    This photo is from Monday, where bumpy old tracks are visible on the left side, and obvious wind transport shifted snow to the right side. Approach wind drifted features like the right side with caution until you can determine whether it's reactive or not. 

    Photo: Jason Speer

Avalanche Discussion

Small and large human triggered avalanches in neighboring zones were reported on Saturday, the first nicer day after several days of stormy weather. Most avalanches failed on interfaces within the new snow layer above the Christmas crust. In the days since, a few reports of small avalanches failing with a human trigger in wind-loaded pockets have been reported.  With temperatures slowly warming, older slabs are likely gaining strength. New slabs are where you are most likely to trigger an avalanche, although remain vigilant of the possibility of slightly deeper avalanches occurring. 

Snow fell Dec 30 to Jan 1, coating the Christmas crust with around a foot of snow. This is highly variable depending on your elevation and where in the zone you are. Since Saturday, moderate winds redistributed low density snow into variable surfaces and slabs throughout most near and above treeline areas.  Clear skies on Sunday initiated a few south-facing wet loose avalanches and a surface crust now sits on steep, south-facing aspects. Slightly warmer temperatures are also contributing to heavier snow, especially in below treeline areas. 

 

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