Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

In sintesi

It's possible you could trigger an avalanche in wind drifted snow at upper elevations. If you're entering steep terrain, feel and look for stiffer, wind drifted snow and consider avoiding the slope. We suspect wet avalanche activity is behind us, as temperatures will cool slightly on Wednesday. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind transport was reported on Tuesday, and we expect similar light to moderate winds transporting snow on Wednesday. A few backcountry travelers shared that despite the wind drifting snow into day-old ski tracks and seeing obvious wind loading, they still weren't able to trigger an avalanche. Similar conditions might continue into Wednesday, but we aren't certain. 

    As you're traveling, search for actively blowing snow. Identify wind-textured or smooth, pillowlike surfaces that are stiffer than non wind-affected snow.  Before you enter steep terrain at upper elevations, use those clues to determine whether a wind slab may be present. Consider avoiding a wind loaded slope, or make a plan for how to escape if you do trigger an avalanche on the slope.

    We don't expect slab development on southerly aspects that were previously impacted by the sun. Any avalanches will likely be small, but if you're in  a terrain trap they could still have high consequences. If you're caught, you wouldn't want to be involved with an avalanche that takes you for a ride over a cliff, through rocks or trees, or buries you deep in a gully. 

    Example photo: A small wind slab avalanche like one that you might see on Wednesday. An avalanche would be most concerning if you trigger and are caught in one where there is a terrain trap, amplifying the conseqences of getting caught. 

    Photo: Simon Trautman

Avalanche Discussion

There was more cloud cover, wind and slightly cooler temperatures than expected on Tuesday. Not as much loose wet avalanche activity occurred as expected. We don't expect much to happen on Wednesday either, as similar conditions or possibly a little cooler are in the forecast. That being said, scan your surroundings, especially any steep southerly slopes you might be around, and if you see any natural activity then avoid those steep slopes and terrain right beneath them.

A storm over the weekend started with rain to upper elevations, and then concluded with snow. Around a foot of snow capped the now crusty old snow surface. Good bonding has been found between the crust and the new snow layer. Minor storm instabilities were found midway down the storm snow layer. 

If you get out in the backcountry, please share with us what you saw by  SUBMITTING AN OBSERVATION, so that we can write better avalanche forecasts for you. 

 

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