Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Wed
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

You can trigger avalanches today in some wind-loaded terrain. Avoid dense, firm, or hollow snow in start zones and evaluate the upper snowpack carefully. The danger may be higher in the southern portion of the zone -- read the West Central Forecast if you are traveling along the Highway 20 Corridor.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent storm snow is gaining strength, but it's still possible to trigger avalanches in some wind-loaded alpine areas. A couple inches of new snow and westerly winds will further obscure loading patterns from the last storm. These older slabs may be anywhere from 6 inches to several feet thick. Avoid dense, firm, or hollow snow in start zones and evaluate the upper snowpack carefully before committing to consequential terrain.

    Cornices are overbuilt right now and we will start to see more of them fail as the spring sun intensifies. These features require extra caution and respect for the near future. 

    (2/27/2021) A large natural avalanche on a southeast aspect at 5800ft in the Canyon Creek area off Hwy 542. The avalanche looks to be triggered by cornice fall and likely slid on a melt-freeze crust buried Feb. 25.

Avalanche Discussion

Several avalanches were reported over the weekend: two small natural wind slab avalanches in Bagley Basin, and a large slab in Canyon Creek that was probably triggered by cornice fall.  Last week there was a widespread natural cycle that resulted in many very large avalanches (some D3+) some of which hit Highway 20 just outside Newhalem. We believe most of these were big wind slabs, but there are several in the more southern part of the zone and one notable avalanche on Chowder Ridge (see gallery below) that may have failed on the deeper weak layer from January.  Read the West Central forecast to learn more about this deeper layer of concern. 

The take-home is that snow and avalanche conditions are variable throughout the West North Zone. In some areas, recent storm snow is stabilizing quickly, but the recent very large natural avalanches continue to weigh on our minds.

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.

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