Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sun
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Another blustery day with a few inches of new snow should help maintain small wind-drifted pockets along ridges and near the base of cliffs. While blowing snow will help you identify actively loading slopes, shifting winds from the past few days may have left firmer slabs in some unusual locations.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    We received observations of blowing snow, wind-drifted slabs, and small avalanches for the past several days in the West South zone. Even with the warmer temperatures, the stronger winds continue to find dry snow to transport. We expect more of the same on Saturday. This time winds will start to shift from east to south to west. That could create a patchwork of new and old wind slabs on a variety of aspects. 

    Rime on trees, textured surfaces, and cornices may give you an idea of recent and local wind patterns. However, ultimately, you’ll want to watch out for pillow-like drifts that feel just a bit firmer than nearby snow. 

    In this case, it’s not really the size of the avalanche that’s concerning, but rather the potentially rugged ride. Don’t underestimate the consequences of even the tiniest slide.

    (12/28/2023)

    Fresh cornices on a ridgeline near Crystal Mountain. These visual clues can help you identify which direction the wind was blowing. Look for wind slabs to develop on the leeward slopes.

    Photo: Shane Robinson

Avalanche Discussion

This isn’t a particularly big storm, but at this point, we’ll take any snow Mother Nature will give us. Most locations should receive a few inches by the end of the day. The weather falls right in line with the past week. Multiple days of very modest precipitation, mild temperatures, and flip-flopping winds continue to provide a rather persistent forecast. 

Avalanche professionals reported both natural and triggered wind slabs on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fresh cornices and small wind slabs were encountered on Thursday, and blowing snow and sharp cornices were seen on Friday. All of these recent observations come from the Crystal area. If you’re traveling elsewhere in the zone, take a moment to let us know what you find by submitting an observation. 

The other consistent report this week includes,  “Travel exceeded expectations.” That’s great! Typically, smooth open slopes on more northerly aspects provided the best conditions. Elsewhere more variable conditions exist, including scoured slopes, icy surfaces, breakable crusts, and wet snow. Add to that a wide variety of things to hit or fall into, and you have the makings of some, at best, challenging and, at worst, hazardous travel. Lower elevation terrain remains the real crux, with travel often confined to snow-covered roads, trails, and open meadows.

Regioni coperte