Lawinenlagebericht

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Tue
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Variable conditions persist across West North. Most slopes are stable, but isolated wind-loaded terrain can still produce very 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. Use extra caution in areas north of Hwy 542.

 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    2–3

    Persistent slab conditions remain highly variable across the forecast zone, ranging from rock-solid snowpacks to large, hair-trigger slabs. The exact failure plane is still unclear, but many recent avalanches appear to be failing just above a thin crust buried in mid-February. In the Baker Backcountry, this layer lies four or more feet down, though thinner, more suspect snowpacks exist elsewhere.  Layers of buried surface hoar have been observed as well. Most recent slab avalanches have been observed on the north half of the compass.

    The best clue that you may trigger a slab avalanche is recent activity on similar slopes nearby. Whumphing and long shooting cracks are also red flags. If you’re heading into less-traveled terrain, consider digging to look for weak snow above a crust before committing to large features. Sticking to slightly lower-angle, less wind-loaded terrain will always be the simplest way to reduce risk.

    (3/1/2026)

    A snowmobile triggered slab avalanche in Canyon Creek. North aspect at 5600'.

    (HS-D2.5-AMu-O)

     

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    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 near the Border Peaks.

    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 carry 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.

    (2/28/2026)

    Rollerballs and wet avalanches often initiate in cliffy or steep treed terrain.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

With stellar weather through the weekend, people spread out across West North and sent in a wide range of observations—many thanks to those who did.

The reports tell very different stories depending on location. Near-low-danger conditions were described around Schriebers on the south side of Mount Baker, with only a few small snowmobile-triggered wind slabs and minor wet loose avalanches. Observers near the Cascade River noted limited wet loose activity but plenty of wind-hammered snow, likely from strong west winds late last week.

Aside from one large and one monster natural slab in the Baker Backcountry, most recent persistent slab avalanches have occurred on or near the north side of Excelsior Ridge in Canyon Creek. A few very large natural slabs were also observed on Chowder Ridge between Skyline and Hadley Peak. The common thread in these avalanches is wind-loaded terrain.

A supportable crust can be found on sun-exposed slopes in the morning, breaking down by midday. Soft powder remains on many shaded slopes. Most observers report recent snow settling and bonding well, though uncertainty lingers where new snow sits over crust on southerly aspects.

The big picture is variability. Most slopes are stable, but a handful of large avalanches in isolated wind-loaded terrain show the persistent slab is alive and kicking. If you’re not seeing recent activity, that’s encouraging—but not a green light for large, connected alpine terrain. Pay attention to wind-loaded features, especially below ridgelines and in big start zones, and keep consequences in mind. Sunshine and good travel can make it easy to forget that isolated, high-consequence slopes still exist.

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