Bollettino valanghe

Olympics

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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In sintesi

Use caution before jumping into more consequential terrain where you see signs of recently drifted snow.  Shallow wind slabs may lurk at upper elevations, including below ridgelines or in chutes.  If the sun comes out for an extended period, expect steep sunny slopes to shed new snow in the form of rollerballs or even small wet loose avalanches. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With less wind expected during the latest round of snow showers, we're likely talking about recently formed wind slabs that are lingering at higher elevations and below cliff bands, in rocky chutes, or right below ridgelines. 

    Steer around steep lee slopes below ridgelines where you see recently drifted snow.  You may not see obvious clues like shooting cracks or recent avalanches before stepping into more consequential terrain. While wind slab avalanches will likely be small, they may break easier than expected above a firm crust or older weaker snow on northerly aspects. Use extra caution around terrain traps where a small avalanche could cause injury.   

    (3/24/2023)  A small wind slab pocket released in this confined terrain feature as a skier descended.

    Photo: Katie Warren

  • Loose Wet

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

    While the clouds will likely win the afternoon once again over in the Olympics, it won't take long during morning or mid-day sunbreaks for steep sunny slopes to shed loose snow downhill in the form of rollerballs or pinwheels. 

    Small wet loose avalanches are possible if those sunbreaks stick around longer than expected.  If you find yourself in this situation on Sunday, move to a shadier cooler aspect or lower-angle terrain.  

    Rollerballs and pinwheels are indicators of the snow surface becoming moist and that wet loose avalanches may not be far behind. 

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

Snow showers were less of a factor on Saturday and no new avalanche activity was reported.  On Friday, backcountry travelers near and below treeline in the Hurricane Ridge area found a supportable crust early in the day followed by increasing snow showers, improving snow conditions, and moderate WNW ridgeline winds in the afternoon.  

On Wednesday, pro-observer Sam Luthy found a generally stable snowpack with surface crusts on most aspects near and below treeline.  Evidence of the recent warm-up and previous small wet loose avalances/rollerballs were easy to find.  As we head into the weekend with much colder weather, these rough surfaces are now firm and re-frozen and could be a lurking hazard if hidden by the new snow.   In the southeastern part of the range, the recent warm-up was also noted in this Mt Ellinor observation on Wednesday. 

Take a look at the media gallery and note the large size of some cornices. Stand far back from their edges, and be leery of traveling beneath them. Even with the cooler weather, it's best to give them space as we head further into the spring. Keep those Observations coming and let's close out the season on a high note! 

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