Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Rain on snow is causing avalanche danger to increase and become somewhat difficult to assess.  Make terrain choices carefully, and assume that large unsupported slopes are dangerous. Be sure to assess steep slopes for wet snow avalanche hazards before committing to them.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Glide avalanches are possible on Wednesday. They happen when water lubricates  steep areas which have a smooth bed surface (ground) such as bedrock or grass.  They are very difficult to predict, but cracks, which usually form first, are a good indicator. Watch for deep cracks in the snow in steep areas, usually with ground visible at the bottom. Stay off slopes where you see these cracks, or any slopes with similar characteristics  or are large and unsupported nearby.

    A glide crack, which could turn into a glide avalanche.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet loose avalanches were seen in the Mt. Baker area on Tuesday.  Rain on snow can cause a loss of surface cohesion and it will be possible to trigger wet loose avalanches on steep slopes.  Although these slides will become more difficult to trigger as temperatures begin to cool on Wednesday, the snow will remain wet and the likelihood of triggering one will remain possible. Rollerballs are precursors to wet avalanches. Avoid travelling on or below slopes steeper than 35 degrees where rollerballs or loose wet avalanches have recently occurred.

    Rollerballs and pinwheels, indicators of surface snow losing cohesion.

Avalanche Discussion

The west north zone picked up at least 2” of rain since Monday night and snow lines are still around 3000ft.  Temperatures are forecasted to be cooling Wednesday night onwards, which will begin freezing the snowpack and reducing the avalanche hazard. That said, water will continue to move through the snowpack for another 24-48 hours, which means we aren’t quite out of the woods yet. Also, expect snow conditions to be slushy, sticky, punchy, or icy as we transition from warmer to cooler temperatures in the next 2 days.  The snow base is ranging from 35 - 65 inches in this zone. 

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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