Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Avalanche potential will increase as you ascend in elevation on Thursday. Use visual clues such as fresh cornices or new drifts to help identify wind-loaded aspects to avoid. Be leery of convex slopes or rocky outcrops where avalanches are often easier to trigger.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    While you may find upside-down snow or sensitive pockets in sheltered terrain, the largest and most consequential slides are expected to be on wind-loaded slopes on Thursday. Look for visual clues such as actively blowing snow, textured surfaces, or new drifts to help identify leeward aspects. Then you can steer around convexities, rocky outcrops, or steep open slopes below ridgelines where wind slabs are more likely to form.

    Using uptrack tests, small test slopes, or quick hand pits can help you identify the depth and reactivity of the new storm snow. Look for heavy snow over weaker snow or slab failures as an indication to dial back your terrain choices to simpler, lower-angled slopes.

    (4/1/2026)

    Fresh drifts were observed near Crystal Mountain on 4/1. This visual clue can help you identify the prominent wind direction and hints that wind slabs may exist in nearby terrain.

    Photo: Reid Pitman

Avalanche Discussion

As of Wednesday evening, a winter-like storm is raging in the West South zone, bringing wind, snow, and some rain. Skiers at Crystal Mountain reported plenty of actively blowing snow and freshly built cornices on Wednesday as the storm ramped up. Weather station data supported this observation with gusts reaching the 50s. Other stations around the zone reported a bit less wind, but plenty of precipitation, especially down south, where Mount St. Helens is already expected to have received around 1 inch of water. 

Before the storm, the snow surface varied greatly, mostly by aspect or exposure to wind and sun. In shaded terrain, dry snow was present, especially in areas sheltered by the wind. You may find that the warm start to this storm has created an upside-down interface in these areas. Elsewhere, the 3/25 crust reigned supreme, either on or just below the surface. Be sure to check all the snow down to the 3/25 for potential failure points before committing to a slope.

As is often the case in the spring, we can't seem to get away from the potential for wet loose slides. They'll be more likely at lower elevations or if temperatures bump up due to diurnal warming on Thursday. Any triggered avalanche, whether slab or loose, wet or dry, could run easily or far on the underlying 3/25 crust. 

Before Wednesday's rain, travel had improved marginally at lower elevations, but that may no longer be the case. As we flip back toward snow, hazards that were easily visible just a day or two ago could be partially hidden. Holes and creeks have been with us all season long and will continue to be throughout the spring. 

Regioni coperte