West Slopes North

Problemi valanghivi

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  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta quota
  • Limite del bosco
  • Sotto il limite del bosco

  Probabilità

  Likely

  Dimensione

  1–2

  A group of backcountry skiers triggered a slab avalanche in the Baker backcountry on Sunday, catching two and partially burying one of them. Luckily, they walked away unscathed. We appreciate their sharing so that we can all learn from it, and you can check out the observation HERE. On top of this, we've had several reports of avalanches and other partial burials in the backcountry in the last three days. Small wind slabs were easily triggered by humans Friday and Saturday if they found the right spot, and there was also the occasional natural avalanche. The avalanches remained specific to wind-loaded areas, but they were touchy. You can read several reports on the OBSERVATIONS page. A few were reported on Sunday, but warmer temperatures made the snow heavier and not as reactive for slab avalanches. So far, most avalanches were not large enough to bury a person, but we've received a foot or more of snow at upper elevations since then.

  On Monday it is likely that you can trigger a larger avalanche, one which could be big enough to bury and kill you. Locations will not be as isolated as in the previous days. Rather than small pockets, you could find larger slopes of unstable snow. They may exist as reactive slabs in non-wind loaded areas, however they will probably remain most reactive in areas where the wind redistributed snow into thicker deposits, as moderate to strong wind will continue shifting snow around. You might find slabs farther downslope and on cross-loaded features in addition to just below ridgeline. Poor visibility or a layer of new snow could make slabs harder to pick out in the terrain around you. Monitor new snow depth you as gain elevation and change aspects. Don’t ignore obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks or even subtler clues like a change in snow depth or texture. Evaluate each slope on a case-by-case basis and travel on lower angle or wind-scoured terrain to reduce the likelihood of triggering an avalanche. 

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta quota
  • Limite del bosco
  • Sotto il limite del bosco

  Probabilità

  Possible

  Dimensione

  1–2

  More wet loose avalanches occurred on Sunday than we thought we would see, running both naturally and with a human trigger.  They were mainly small (D1), but there were some large (D2) avalanches, running in the new snow layer. This time of year we can almost expect to see wet loose avalanches most days. Springtime radiation balances are tough to hit right, so it becomes a bit more difficult to predict these avalanches this time of year. If snow surfaces were previously low density and dry, then just a little sun- or a warm, humid cloud like we saw Sunday- could tip the scales and avalanches will result.

  Temperatures should remain a little cooler than Sunday. You can primarily expect to encounter these avalanches in near treeline areas where the fresh low-density snow fell, moreso than below treeline elevations where much of the snowpack is old and previously rain-affected snow. There's a chance these avalanches could occur at higher elevations if it warms more than forecasted. Temperatures will peak in the evening, so expect an increase in this danger throughout the day. You may find rollerballs or small natural wet loose avalanches, triggered from tree-bombs or coming from near steep and rocky areas. You might be able to trigger one, starting small and then fanning out, as you move across a steep slope. If you encounter wet, sticky snow or signs of small natural avalanches, avoid steep slopes in nearby areas.