Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger slab avalanches on Saturday as a storm brings snow and strong winds to the area.  Snow will redistribute into deposits that will likely avalanche with the added weight of a person. As the snow settles avoid wind loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Avalanche danger will increase Friday night through Saturday as the forecast calls for up to a foot of new snow and strong winds. Intense blowing snow will deposit into thick reactive slabs on lee slopes, convexities, in gullies, and around rocky outcroppings. Failures could step down into old wind slabs and produce larger avalanches. These old wind slabs were reactive on 12/24 in the West North zone (observation 1, observation 2) where conditions are similar. Beneath that layer lies the slick 12/21 crust, a good sliding surface for avalanches. Keep off wind loaded slopes greater than 35 degrees until the storm passes.

    A fresh wind slab avalanche on a lee slope from 12/22

Avalanche Discussion

Strong winds on Saturday will make travel and visibility difficult.  Expect variable snow surfaces, with thick heavy deposits in some areas and exposed icy patches of the 12/21 crust in others.

In nearby zones (Stevens Pass and the East Slopes) weak persistent grains formed and were buried well over a week ago.  Avalanches haven’t occurred on this layer in several days. If you dig a snow profile, look for weak snow above the prominent 12/09 crust buried 3-4ft deep. While travelling at mid and upper elevations where this layer may still exist, consider limiting your exposure to large avalanche terrain until we know more.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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