Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Mon
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 4 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

This spring weather pattern continues to maintain wet avalanche concerns across the West South zone. While you may trigger a loose wet avalanche on steep rocky slopes, don’t forget about other springtime issues like cornices or snow shedding from above. Unless the surface is frozen, suspect these hazards on any slope where you find wet and punchy snow.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

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

    We’ve been in a spring-like weather pattern for almost a week now. At this point, many of the slopes that would produce loose wet avalanches have run. However, the continued warm and sometimes sunny weather has maintained wet and weak snow in the upper snowpack. Until we have a solid freeze, it’s hard to imagine conditions will be generally safe. While you may not be able to trigger a loose wet avalanche on every slope, when you find wet and punchy snow deeper than your ankle, be suspicious of any nearby terrain. If the snow doesn’t freeze well Saturday night, you could encounter these conditions early in the morning. Even though most of these slides should remain small, they can still easily hurt you if they involve a cliff or creek. 

    Prolonged warm patterns like this always have us worried about snow falling down. That could be cornices collapsing or snow shedding from craggy faces. While there might not be as many cornices or as much snow compared to other springs, don’t forget about this common springtime hazard. Pay attention to the slopes above you and don’t linger underneath these potential hazards.

    (3/25/2022)

    This natural wet avalanche occurred mid-day on 3/25 during a period of warm weather and filtered sunshine.  [E 6700']

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Warm and cloudy weather Saturday night might significantly limit the ability of the snow surface to freeze. As a result, you may find wet snow issues right off the bat Sunday. This will be a major change from previous days. The snowpack has seen several freeze-thaw cycles since last Monday when this pattern began. This created a growing new surface curst on all aspects and elevations. However, when temperatures are this warm and plenty of water still remains in the upper snowpack, it’s hard to imagine that the avalanche danger will drop much until we have a solid freeze. 

Fortunately, the new surface crust and stronger springlike upper snowpack has decreased our concern over the persistent slab issues involving the 3/8 facets-Early March Crust. While you may still find these weak grains on W-N-E aspects above 5500’, overlying strong snow should effectively bridge this layer. At this point, it would likely take a very large trigger like a collapsing cornice in just the right piece of terrain to cause a large avalanche. However, while unlikely, that could happen. This gives you just one more reason not to hangout in large rocky terrain with overhanging cornices. 

At lower elevations, the snowpack is shrinking and the woods feel like it's late spring. Expect wet punchy snow, open creeks, and even bare ground. Fortunately, triggering an avalanche in this terrain will be unlikely.

Regioni coperte