West Slopes Central

Use normal caution when traveling in avalanche terrain, and always carry a transceiver, shovel and probe. Identify slopes holding wind-drifted snow and assess for instability before entering steep, high consequence terrain. South-facing slopes may soften but we expect minimal or no wet avalanches. 

If you're going to trigger any avalanches, they'll most likely be small and isolated in distribution. If you do trigger an avalanche, it'll probably be in recently drifted snow in the alpine, and those new slabs may sit over weak snow that has been forming at and on the surface in the last several days. Just north of the West Central zone in the Cascade Pass area, backcountry skiers triggered an avalanche on Monday in a new wind slab (observation).

Search for smooth or textured wind slabs and investigate them before entering high consequence terrain to see how easily they'll slide. Even a small slide wouldn't be ideal if you'll get sent off a cliff or strained through rocks and trees. 

Freezing levels should rise to 4500ft on Wednesday, but forecasts vary widely and there may be inversions. Steep south-facing slopes may soften but we don't expect much wet avalanche activity. Slopes at upper elevations may soften more than those down low. 

Soft dry snow or thin crusts on or near the surface is weakening with the colder weather and predominantly clear skies. The top foot or so of soft snow is faceting (weakening), surface hoar is developing on the snow surface, and crusts (mainly the 1/10 crust on average 1ft deep) are breaking down and faceting. When more snow eventually comes, we may get many large avalanches on these weak layers, and avalanche activity likely won't fade within a day or two like our usual new snow avalanche problems. 

Snow conditions vary extensively. There are soft and hard wind slabs, and wind-swept areas too. Crusts exist at the surface or beneath softer snow layers. Some crusts and firm surfaces may be smooth, whereas others may be textured or jagged. You might still find soft dry snow on sheltered slopes. Prepare for all snow types if you get into the backcountry on Wednesday. Check out this recent observation from the West Central zone sharing the variety of snow and condtions you might find on an outing (observation).

If you get out, please share with us about your day by submitting an observation HERE or on the Avy App.