Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Limit your exposure to snowy cliffs, glide cracks, and cornices that can shed snow with continued warm temperatures. Use extra caution and move efficiently in confined alpine terrain where wet avalanches can start well above you.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Glide avalanches continue to release naturally and unpredictably across the west side of the Cascades. While the chances of witnessing one are low, the consequences would be high if one released above you. Recent glide avalanches have been observed on both sunny and shaded slopes. Crusty snow surfaces do not mean glide avalanches are unlikely. 

    This isn’t necessarily a “no-go” situation. Identify glide cracks and other overhead hazards before you are directly below them, give them a wide berth, and move quickly through the impact zone if no alternative exists. Do not stop, regroup, or linger below unstable-looking snow.

    Glide avalanches are difficult to predict and cannot be evaluated with snowpits or other stability tests. They are also nearly impossible to trigger and will release naturally on their own timeline—regardless of whether you are in the way.

    (1/15/2026)

    The rocky bed surfaces of recent glide avalanches and glide cracks, where more could release with continued warming.

    Photo: Jere Burrell - Guided Exposure

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Observers noted softening snow surfaces and fresh rollerballs initiating from rocky terrain on Friday. With additional warming, we could see wet loose avalanches on steep, sun-exposed slopes—especially south-facing terrain.

    Pay attention to what’s above you as the sun warms the snow surface. Limit your exposure to steep slopes where you see active signs of instability, such as rollerballs, shedding snow, or small loose avalanches. A refrozen or supportable surface reduces the likelihood of wet loose avalanches, but expect conditions to change quickly with solar input.

    (12/5/2024)

    This is the kind of steep, south facing terrain that could produce wet loose avalanches this weekend.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

After losing nearly one-third of its total depth over the past week, the snowpack has reached a plateau in settlement. Clear nights have allowed surface crusts to form despite above-freezing temperatures, and these crusts have softened on sun-exposed slopes. Even with sun-softened snow, conditions remain rugged, with undulating, rain-affected surfaces making travel difficult for some.

Avalanche activity has been sporadic, making it difficult to pin down the exact timing of recent events. Bare rock from recent glide avalanches and a newer-looking wet slab crown have been observed around Upper Bagley, though only one avalanche was directly witnessed. Abundant debris from wet loose, glide, and wet slab avalanches is visible across all aspects and elevations. Most of this activity occurred during heavy rainfall on Monday and Tuesday. A team in Snoqualmie Pass had a close call in alpine terrain with shedding snow on Thursday - it's worth a read as this is the kind of terrain where you are most at risk during this period of high pressure.

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