Bulletin d’avalanche

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Danger d’avalanche

Sat
Alpin
2 · Modéré
Limite forestière
2 · Modéré
Sous la limite
1 · Faible
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Périmé — ce bulletin a expiré 6 months ago. Vous consultez des conditions passées, pas le bulletin en cours.

Points saillants

An uptick in forecasted wind speeds may create a fresh crop of shallow wind slabs on Friday. Look for actively blowing snow or new pillow-like drifts to help identify wind-loaded features to avoid. In areas with minimal snow over a crust, you may be able to push loose slides on steep slopes. 

Problèmes avalancheux

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpin
    • Limite forestière
    • Sous la limite forestière
    Probabilité
    Possible
    Taille
    1–2

    Winds are expected to slowly increase on Friday and then shift from west to east in the evening. With plenty of low-density snow in place, it won't take much wind to create shallow slabs on leeward slopes.

    You can look for new pillow-like drifts, textured surfaces, fresh cornices, or scoured areas to help identify where slabs may have formed. The wind often likes to deposit snow on convex rollovers, near the base of cliffs, or in confined chutes/gullies. So approach these features with a keen eye, and if you notice signs of wind-loading, find a new route. 

    In more sheltered locations, you could trigger loose dry slides in the low-density snow. Use good travel techniques and don't get caught off guard by a small avalanche in consequential terrain, regardless of whether it is a slab or loose.

    (2/16/2026)

    Subtle signs of wind drifted snow can help anticipate wind loaded slopes just on the other side of the trees. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

The West South picked up another 2-6 inches of snow Wednesday night, increasing this week's storm totals and the depth of the 2/7 crust. As one of our two layers of concern, this crust can now be found up to 2 feet below the surface in some areas of the zone. It will be the first major crust you encounter as you dig down. It has weak sugary snow below it and possibly weak (faceted) snow above it. 

Our other layer of concern, the 2/13, contains buried surface hoar roughly 4-6 inches above the 2/7. You're most likely to find this thin grey line on shaded aspects if you have a clean pit wall. You may also find near-surface facets at this interface. On slopes that often receive direct sunshine, you likely won't find the 2/13. Additionally, the 2/7 is much closer to the surface on these aspects.

To date, we haven't had much reactivity on these weak layers since the snow above them has been generally light and fluffy. The question is, what will it take to form the slab needed to activate these layers? Our hunch is that we won't reach that point on Friday, but some additional wind loading, snow, and warming on Saturday has our eye.

For now, you should be aware that these weak layers are lurking beneath the surface. If you see red flag signs of instability, such as shooting cracks, whumpfing collapses, or new avalanches, be prepared to adjust your plans. 

Régions couvertes