Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Warm and sunny conditions will continue through Sunday. Stick to simple terrain and limit your exposure to steep slopes directly overhead. Avoid traveling directly under cliffs still holding snow,  cornices, and glide cracks, especially during the heat of the day.  Areas of locally higher danger are possible - get away from steep slopes if you start seeing widespread natural avalanche activity.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Sunday will be the last day of warm temperatures and sun before cooler conditions return for the workweek.  Anticipate wet avalanches at all aspects and elevations, not just slopes directly facing the sun.

    Keep track of what’s above you - or what will eventually be above you - at all times.  Plan your day so you aren't forced to cross below questionable terrain in order to get back to the trailhead.

    Active signs of instability and small avalanches are warnings that bigger avalanches are possible, but you might not see anything until a big one releases naturally. Human-triggered wet avalanches are also possible. Pay attention to any snow that starts to move with you when descending.

    (4/13/2024)

    A fresh, natural wet loose avalanche on an east aspect of Table Mt at 5200'.  

    (N-WL-D1-S)

    Photo: Zack McGill - Cascade Mountain Ascents

  • Glide Cracks

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

    In addition to wet loose avalanches, prolonged warming increases the likelihood of seeing glide avalanches and cornice fall. Glide slabs, cornices, and other hanging snow features will continue to weaken and fall off the mountain until cooler conditions prevail. Both of these dangers are isolated in distribution and fairly easy to identify. 

    Look for large cracks in the snow surface where the entire snowpack is slipping and will eventually release over the ground below,   Some cornices have already shed this year but there are plenty more of them to come down this spring. Falling cornices and shedding snow can also trigger larger wet loose or slab avalanches on the slope below.  Wet loose avalanches are much less likely when the snow surface is topped with a crust, but cornices and other hanging snow features like glide slabs and cornices won't gain much strength with cooler conditions overnight.

    (1/14/2022)

    Glide cracks are indicators where the entire snowpack is slipping on smooth ground or rock slab below. They infrequently release but they are very dangerous when they do.

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche activity varied across the zone on Saturday. Observers in the Baker BC reported numerous wet loose avalanches on all aspects. Most were small (D1) in size, but a few were larger. Previously unreported avalanche activity from the days prior was also noted. South-facing, repeat offenders like the south side of Table Mt had already slid during the initial warm-up before the weekend. An NWAC Forecaster in Canyon Creek observed no fresh wet avalanches but there were signs that plenty had already run on sunny and also more shaded aspects. Wet, unsupportable snow was found nearly everywhere and any crust that did form overnight quickly softened by mid-morning.

Low and mid-elevation snow cover varies quite a bit with aspect. Some southerly slopes are bare up to almost 5000' in some areas, while consistent snow cover down to 3500' is found in steep, shaded valleys. While the danger is generally Low at the lowest elevations, consider it higher anywhere you find relatively smooth, consistent snow cover.

While the snow surface nearly everywhere is wet, there might still be some dry snow at the highest elevations. The likelihood is low you will find a legitimate wind slab. It’s still worth keeping an eye out for pockets of wind-drifted snow if you make it to the alpine, especially with consequential terrain below.

 This is the last avalanche forecast for the 23/24 season. NWAC will continue issuing mountain weather forecasts each afternoon at 2:30 pm through April 28. We’d like to thank each of you for reading and using these forecasts to make informed, safe decisions and for contributing to your community by submitting observations. Please continue to help support your backcountry friends by letting others know what you find in the mountains. Have a wonderful spring and summer! Lee and Irene

 

 

 

 

 

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