Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

Thu
Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
2 · Moderato
Open full map
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 5 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

You can trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow on mid and upper elevation slopes Wednesday. Feel for thicker deposits of snow and pay attention to indicators such as cracking or whumphs. Avoid steep slopes where you identify any of these signs of an unstable snowpack. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A lot of uncertainty exists in the snowpack at this time, as little information is available in the West Central zone. However, several avalanches occurred in nearby zones since the new snow fell starting on Saturday. Some of these wind slab avalanches occurred within new snow layers at density changes. A few larger avalanches occurred at the bottom of the new snow layer, and possibly involved persistent weak layers which formed during the long dry spell. 

    A lull in precipitation will help to stabilize wind slabs that failed within the new snow layer, but it will not do much to stabilize persistent weak layers beneath the new snow. So far, the most notable avalanches remain limited to pockets of this potential weak layer. It may not exist as large swaths, but we aren’t sure how widespread the layer is. Take this into account if you’re keen to jump out onto large, steep and exposed northerly slopes. In all areas you travel, continue to feel for changes in snow hardness. Plunge your poles into the snow to check snow depths regularly if you use them. Search for drifting on convex rolls, near rocky outcroppings, and in gullies. Pay attention to cracking and whumphs, clear signs that a steep slope could avalanche. If you find any of these characteristics, stick to lower angle terrain and avoid nearby steep slopes. 

    (1/31/2022)

    Small fracture on a NW aspect at 4,000ft in the Stevens Pass zone. This failed on very weak faceted grains within a crust/facet sandwich. Small whumphing was also observed on nearby slopes.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

Around a foot of snow fell at mid to upper elevations since Saturday night. A lot of uncertainty exists about the layering of this new snow on top of areas where you may find weak layers and crusts. Make sure to investigate steep slopes before you head onto them. If you’re planning on traveling in areas of the West Central zone close to the border of another zone, take a look at the neighboring forecast as well, as you may find conditions similar to the adjacent forecast.

Regioni coperte