Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Both wet and dry loose avalanches can be triggered on steep slopes during the daytime, and run a long ways on firm or slick surfaces. Tread carefully around steep slopes at upper elevations, looking to identify drifted features near slopes of consequence. Heed signs of instability such as whumphing collapses or shooting cracks, look for these especially further east in the zone, where more snow has fallen.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

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

    Observers have noted plenty of long running loose avalanches over the past couple of days. Expect these to continue on Friday, especially with some sun. The low density storm snow is sitting over a slick crust or firm snow in many areas. Snow could entrain and run far on steep, sustained slopes. You may only have to provoke it, or they could run naturally with sun. Moist, sticky snow and rollerballs are good indicators that wet loose slides could happen spontaneously. Time your travels to avoid steep slopes that face the sun directly in the middle of the day to avoid getting avalanched by a slide. If you do venture into steeper terrain, look for shorter, less committing slopes rather than larger features. Give the new snow time to settle before venturing onto longer, steep slopes. 

    (1/27/2021) Loose dry avalanches have been occurring over slick crusts in the area. Photo by Drew Lovell.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Observers noted a couple small pockets of natural wind slab releases on Thursday. The wind has been light, but very low density snow has been subject to transport in isolated, upper elevations. Look for reactive snow near wind exposed features. Travel cautiously as you gain elevation, especially near ridgelines and other exposed terrain features. These slabs could be just slightly more dense than the new snow and could be fairly sensitive to your weight. Stay alert to signs of instability in the new snow such as shooting cracks, or whumphing collapses. If you find these, dial it back to avoid slopes steep enough to slide nearby.

     

Avalanche Discussion

Light snowfall has slowly loaded a variety of snow surfaces since January 24th. At upper elevations near and just east of Washington Pass, the snowpack is deep and strong, though faceted snow was observed on shaded aspects prior to the storm. Below about 5,000ft in the Highway 20 Corridor, large surface hoar was observed sitting on a crust prior to the recent snow. Expect to find a shallower and weaker snowpack in the eastern part of the zone. If you travel to areas such as the Chelan-Sawtooth Mountains, Twisp River, and Chewuch drainages, take time to dig in the snow and look for older weak layers.

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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