Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Warming temperatures and strong solar radiation may cause minor loose wet activity on sun-exposed slopes. Even though any potential avalanches would be small, pay attention as it heats up throughout the day and move off steep terrain where dry snow is becoming wet. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Expect cool overnight temperatures with a day of clear, sunny weather Monday. Wet loose activity could occur on steep sun-exposed slopes, especially at upper elevations. Avalanches will likely be small and only involve the few inches of new snow from Saturday night's storm. Remember that even a small avalanche can cause harm if it knocks you off your feet in consequential terrain or carries you into trees or rocks. Pay attention to rapid changes in the snow surface, rollerballs, and avalanches on similar slopes. It's time to leave and head for shady slopes, or lower-angle terrain when you start noticing these indicators. 

    (3/27/2021) Example photo of a small natural wet loose avalanche on a sun-exposed slope in the Mt. Baker Backcountry. Photo: Zack McGill

Avalanche Discussion

Saturday night's storm delivered a few inches of new snow above 3500ft. With calm, cloudy weather Sunday, observers in the Sloan Peak area found good snowpack stability with limited avalanche concerns. New snow and wind may have formed shallow drifts high in the alpine, but wind slabs were generally hard to find. Snowline continues to creep upwards and is now near 1800-2000ft. 

Continue to stay alert during the ongoing transition from winter to spring.  Cornices grew large over the past few months and loom along many high elevation ridgelines. Use extra caution in areas where they are present. A large glide avalanche occurred Saturday in the neighboring Snoqualmie Pass Zone. Widening glide cracks have been observed in the West Central and all throughout the Cascades over the past few weeks. These avalanches are challenging to predict and occur in isolated terrain features where the snowpack rests on a smooth, lubricated ground surface like grassy slopes or rock slabs. Keep a watchful eye out for crevasse-like cracks in the snowpack and avoid travel on or below slopes where they exist. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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