West Slopes Central
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Author: Lee Lazzara
Issued: Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 6:00 PM PST
Expires: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM PST
The Bottom Line
The Bottom LineLimited observations make it difficult to pin down conditions across West Central. Many slopes may be stable, but some pockets of wind-loaded terrain could still produce large, dangerous slab avalanches. These avalanches would be low-probability but high-consequence events, most likely in steep, upper-elevation terrain near ridgelines and large start zones.
Avalanche Danger
Monday, March 2, 2026
7500-5500ft3 - Considerable
5500-4500ft2 - Moderate
4500-2500ft1 - Low
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
7500-5500ft2 - Moderate
5500-4500ft2 - Moderate
4500-2500ft1 - Low
Avalanche Danger ScaleLearn moreGeneral InfoGeneral Information1 - LowLow2 - ModModerate3 - ConsConsiderable4 - HighHigh5 - ExtrExtreme
1 - Low | 2 - Moderate | 3 - Considerable |  4 - High |  5 - Extreme | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Advice | Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. | Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. | Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential. | Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. | Extraordinarily dangerous avalanche conditions. Avoid all avalanche terrain. |
| Likelihood of Avalanches | Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely. | Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible. | Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely. | Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely. | Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain. |
| Avalanche Size and Distribution | Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain. | Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas. | Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas. | Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas. | Very large avalanches in many areas. |
Avalanche Problems (2)
Problem #1: Persistent Slab
Problem Type
Persistent Slab
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(3/1/2026)
A snowmobile triggered slab avalanche in Canyon Creek. North aspect at 5600'.
(HS-D2.5-AMu-O)
Persistent slab conditions may exist across the forecast zone, but we have very limited direct information from West Central. In neighboring areas, recent avalanches have been failing just above a thin crust buried in mid-February, with buried surface hoar also reported. Whether that structure is widespread here is unclear, and distribution likely varies.
The best clue that you could trigger a slab avalanche is recent activity on similar terrain. Whumphing and shooting cracks would be strong warning signs. If you’re heading into less-traveled terrain, especially areas with thinner snowpack, consider digging to look for weak snow above a crust before committing to large features. Choosing slightly lower-angle, less wind-loaded terrain is a simple way to manage the uncertainty.
Problem #2: Wet Loose
Problem Type
Wet Loose
Aspect/Elevation
Likelihood
Size
(2/28/2026)
Rollerballs and wet avalanches often initiate in cliffy or steep treed terrain.
Photo: Dallas Glass
Wet loose avalanches should continue to trickle down on the last day of warm, sunny weather before storms return. Most recent wet avalanches have been small, though a larger slide was observed in big, south-facing terrain in West North.
As crusts break down and the snow surface turns wet, loose avalanches will again be possible. Size will depend on how much new snow fell and the terrain involved—steep, sustained slopes can produce more powerful slides. Even small wet loose avalanches can have serious consequences. Keep an eye on what is going on above you as the day warms. Avoid traveling on or directly below sunny slopes where you see fresh rollerballs, small wet avalanches, or snow turning wet and sloppy.
Forecast Discussion
Observations from neighboring zones continue to highlight a weak snowpack structure. Buried surface hoar and crust/facet combinations from early to mid-February have been found wherever forecasters have looked, though test results remain inconsistent. In some zones, these layers have produced recent avalanche activity, while in others they have been less active. The best policy, from a planning standpoint, might be to read the forecast for the neighboring zone closest to your destination.
A lack of recent avalanche reports in some zones does not necessarily mean there is no problem. Other zones continue to see activity on these layers, and warming temperatures have corresponded with increased instability in parts of the region. The current weather trend adds uncertainty, as heat can tip the balance in a snowpack already showing mixed test results.
The broader picture is one of variability and low predictability. This is not a typical, uniform snowpack. Standard assessments may not provide clear answers, and slopes that appear stable could still hold deeper instabilities. Terrain choice remains your strongest tool. Match your objectives to your risk tolerance, and recognize that large, consequential avalanches remain possible in isolated areas.
This information is provided by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and describes general backcountry avalanche hazard and conditions.
It does not apply to ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation is conducted.