Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Sat
Alta quota
1 · Debole
Limite del bosco
1 · Debole
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 5 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

A solid overnight freeze and a cooling trend should allow for generally stable avalanche conditions Friday. Avalanches are unlikely anywhere you encounter firm or frozen snow surfaces. As the day progresses, continually make observations and monitor the effects any sunshine may have on the snowpack, especially at lower elevations.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Loose Wet

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

    Additional wet loose activity should be limited on Friday. Snow surfaces will likely remain firm and frozen as freezing levels lower to 3500ft, steady southwest winds continue to blow, and mostly cloudy skies prevail. A chance for very light rain overnight could wet snow surfaces at the lowest elevations, but it will not do much to destabilize the snowpack in these areas. If the cloud cover forecast does not verify and the sun unexpectedly comes out for a prolonged period of time, stay alert to changing conditions on E-S-W aspects near and below treeline. Any potential wet avalanche activity would likely be small and confined to steep, rocky, vegetated slopes below 4500ft receiving direct sun or rain. Monitor snow surfaces throughout the day, and watch for fresh rollerballs, pinwheels, or wet punchy snow. If you encounter wet snow surfaces due to sun, rain, or warming temperatures, move to cooler, shady slopes, or seek out lower angled terrain to reduce your risk of triggering a small wet loose avalanche. 

    Recent small, natural wet loose avalanches and rollerballs.

Avalanche Discussion

The most recent storm Sunday/Monday brought around 1ft of snow and strong winds. The avalanche hazard spiked during the storm, but gradually dropped throughout the week. Recent observations in the West Central are limited, but in adjacent zones, the recent storm snow is now well bonded to a firm underlying crust (3/28). Wet loose avalanche activity has been the primary concern the past few days with warming temperatures and sunshine. The most active day was Wednesday with rollerballs and pinwheels on sun-exposed slopes and a handful of wet loose avalanches, the largest and most widespread of were in areas further east and south including a D2 in the Stevens Pass Zone (see photo below). Snow surfaces are variable and have been affected by warming, sun, or wind in most areas. A surface crust can be found on E-S-W aspects at all elevations, while cold, dry, wind-textured snow still lingers on northerly aspects above 4000ft. 

Cornices grew large throughout the winter and loom along many high elevation ridgelines. Continue to travel cautiously in areas where they are present. Glide cracks also exist in isolated areas at mid to lower elevations. Steer away from areas near glide cracks as there is a very small possibility that a glide avalanche may occur.  

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

Regioni coperte