Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

Wind drifted snow features are where you are most likely to trigger an avalanche on Saturday. It may be a challenge to identify as the snow could be very soft, but the main clues to pay attention to are heavier feeling snow, seeing wind-textured features, and noticing long, shooting cracks as you move through the snow. If you find any of these indicators, or see any recent sign of avalanches, steer clear of nearby steep slopes. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    It is possible that you could trigger wind slab avalanches on Saturday. These drifts could remain very soft, not the obvious stiff features that you may consider your average wind slab. You're most likely to find reactive snow in areas where drifts formed around rocky outcroppings, beneath ridges, in gullies, or on steep rollovers. Expect it to be easier to trigger an avalanche as you gain elevation. If you have any doubts, stick to slopes less than 35 degrees. 

    Pay attention to shooting cracks traveling out from where you step. Avoid steep slopes in areas where these long, shooting cracks are commonplace, as it indicates a weak snowpack. 

    Photo: Lee Lazzara

Avalanche Discussion

In non wind-affected areas you might see or trigger shallow surface sluffs, or dry loose avalanches. Make sure to stay aware of ones that may be triggered by you if you're on a steep slope. Temperatures are expected to warm throughout the day, and if skies clear you may see wet loose avalanches on sunny slopes in the afternoon. 

A few "smaller" snowfalls occurred over the last several days, and people have been excited to get out and enjoy the deepening snowpack with the low-density snow on top. We expect to see more people out this weekend. Despite the excitement of the new snow, be aware that it's not open season. Make sure to start on smaller slopes and evaluate each new feature before you head out onto it. Have an escape route planned.  Even a small avalanche could be dangerous if there is a terrain trap beneath you. Make sure to evaluate your surroundings constantly, whether traveling up, down, or across a slope and quickly change your plans when you encounter differences from what you expect to see. 

We've generally found a stable snowpack, aside from newer surface instabilities in the area. However, we don't have a clear picture about the entire snowpack yet, and in some areas throughout the Cascades, weaker snow has been found around crusts near the ground.  There are still higher risks of hitting trees and rocks since we don't have a deep coating of snow yet. Information about the snowpack is limited, so if you are out in the mountains, let us know what you encounter by submitting an observation. 

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