Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

We’re back to winter! Avalanche danger will increase as snow and wind continues throughout the day. When you see active wind transport loading snow on a slope, or find firm or textured pillows of snow, consider avoiding these areas on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Search out non wind-loaded slopes or lower angle terrain to maximize the fun in your day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs will develop near and above treeline throughout the day. It is possible that you could trigger an avalanche on an isolated wind slab. As the snowfall continues, these deposits will increase in depth and size, amounting to a foot or more deep. Search for pillows on leeward slopes, around the base of cliffs, and along the sides of gullies or features. Use small test slopes or wind lips to determine how the snow is behaving. If you see long shooting cracks or create a tiny avalanche on one of these small features then avoid going onto larger steep slopes with similar snow characteristics.

    An example of a small wind slab avalanche on a test slope. Photo: Andrew Kiefer

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack above approximately 4500ft consists of a base from early season snowfalls that were subsequently rained on, forming a stout late November crust. In the last week, we’ve received at least a foot of snow, and another two feet of additional snow will accumulate by the end of the weekend. Currently, avalanches will remain limited to layers sitting on top of the late November crust. 

As the season is just beginning, our snowpack information is limited. There is a lot of uncertainty in the reactivity of these slabs as the snow mounts. Help us write better forecasts by submitting an observation when you get back from a day out. And since it’s early season, keep an eye out for hazards such as exposed creeks and shallowly buried rocks and trees while you’re traveling.

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