Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wednesday will bring another day of warm temperatures at upper elevations.  Keep an eye on the terrain above you and don't linger under snow-covered cliffs and rocks in sunny terrain. Travel is still challenging, with breakable crusts in many locations. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Warming temperatures and sunny skies raise concerns about avalanches on steep, sun-exposed slopes. Watch for rollerballs and moist snow that slides easily. If you see these clues, move to lower-angle slopes or shaded terrain.

    Time your travel to move off steep sunny terrain before you sink deeply into wet snow. Wet avalanches shouldn't be widespread, but it's best not to linger beneath cliffs or rocks still holding snow and put plenty of distance between you and any visible glide cracks. 

    (3/17/2024)

    An example of wet loose avalanches from the previous season

    Photo: Willie Webster

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday will be similar to, if not slightly cooler than, Tuesday with freezing levels at 10,000ft. Temperature inversions will continue with lower elevations staying cold. There could still be isolated steep rocks or unsupported cliffs holding snow that may shed as warm temperatures and sunshine align. Surface crusts are thinner on east and west aspects and may break down quicker than due south aspects. 

Last week, an observer in the Harts Pass area found isolated areas of cold, dry, recycled powder (weak, sugary, faceted snow) on sheltered northern aspects.  Overall surface conditions are quite variable. Southern aspects harbor a 1 inch thick breakable crust with preserved faceted snow above and below. Many open and slopes at middle and upper elevations hold stiff wind-affected surfaces. 

This prolonged cold and dry period has caused the snow surface to weaken significantly. You can find plenty of surface hoar and/or near-surface facets in valley bottoms and areas that don’t receive direct sunshine. The next storm is forecast to begin on Thursday night. It's a good idea to track potential weak layers before they get buried by future snow. 

Regions covered