Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It's possible to trigger an avalanche on wind loaded slopes at upper elevations. Use visual clues to identify and avoid fresh deposits of wind drifted snow on slopes greater than 35 degrees. Expect an active weather pattern through the workweek with rising avalanche danger by Tuesday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A few more inches of new snow over the next 24hrs and continued southwest winds may form fresh slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. Steer around recent deposits of wind-blown snow near ridge crests, in gullies, and unsupported slopes. Pay attention as you transition into wind affected terrain and look for sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Remember that even a small avalanche can have severe consequences if it carries you through rocks or trees. Use small test slopes to assess how new snow is bonding to itself and old snow surfaces. Watch for changing conditions with aspect and elevation and seek out lower angled terrain if you see red flags like shooting cracks, collapses, and recent avalanches. 

    (12/12/2020) Human triggered Wind Slab on the north side of Chair Peak that swept two travelers off their feet.

Avalanche Discussion

Observers in the Mt. Baker area reported 4in+ of new snow and windy conditions on Sunday. Southwest winds scoured some windward slopes down to the crust formed earlier in the week (12/9). Deposits of wind drifted snow were encountered at mid and upper elevations. One skier triggered wind slab (D1) was reported on an east aspect in Swift Creek (photo below), but wind slabs were small and generally stubborn to trigger. Although there were no direct observations, pockets of surface hoar may have survived the recent sunshine and wind and could be buried under the new snow in isolated areas on sheltered, shaded slopes at mid-elevations. Carefully assess how new snow is bonding to old snow surfaces and evaluate each steep slope you plan to ride for signs of unstable snow. A more potent storm looks to bring increasing avalanche danger on Tuesday. The early season snowpack that was looking healthy for November has shrunk down in early December and melted a bit, so early-season hazards should be expected. Keep an eye out for open creeks, talus fields, buried logs, and small trees.

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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