West Slopes Central

Wet loose avalanches initiated Monday morning when the deep layer of dry snow first got wet (observation). Warm temperatures and 3+ inches of rain later, as of Tuesday evening, kept small amounts of continued wet loose avalanche activity on the table, which we can expect to see on Wednesday in addition to much larger, spookier avalanches. The snow varies extensively in the zone, with several feet having fallen from the Hwy 2 corridor south over the last storm, versus much less in the northern parts of the zone, where danger may be lower.

There are two crusts where avalanches are most likely to fail: The 3/12 crust sits about 2 feet below the surface, and the 3/8 crust is another 2 feet beneath that- at least in the southern half of the zone. These could both be sources of wet slab avalanches on Wednesday. From the 11th to the 14th in the Stevens Pass zone, where there were similar storm amounts to the southern half of the West Central zone, professionals and observers reported an impressive cycle of large to very large natural and triggered slab avalanches. By the 15th, avalanches were becoming more difficult to trigger, and the storm snow was bonding well.

Be ready to assess conditions for yourself if you go out on Wednesday. Consider the consequences of falling in wet, deep snow. At mid and lower elevations, holes around boulders and creeks may be barely covered and could lead to a dangerous fall. Make sure to keep close tabs on your partners in case you need to rescue them.