Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

Rainfall reached nearly all elevations and the avalanche danger has increased.  With rain, avalanches are difficult to predict, so choose terrain carefully.  Wet snow avalanches are possible on steep slopes, be sure to assess them 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.

    Glide avalanches visible on a south facing slope after a rain event.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Rain falling on snow usually initiates a wet loose avalanche cycle. Wet loose avalanches were reported on Tuesday in the Mt Baker and Steven’s Pass areas.  Expect the cycle to be diminishing on Wednesday, but they may still occur.  Watch for rollerballs or wet loose avalanches and stay off slopes steeper than 35 degrees where these signs are present , or where you can sink into wet snow past your boot tops.

    Pinwheels can be indicators for wet loose avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday the precipitation will have slowed down, but the snowpack is still adjusting to the inch+ of water that fell.  Cooling will begin Wednesday night, but until we get a substantial freeze, avalanches are still possible.  Snow conditions could be slushy, sticky, punchy, or icy as we transition from warmer to cooler temperatures in the next 2 days. 

The snow base in the West Central zone is ranging from 35-60 inches, and the snow line is at about 3000ft.  Remember that it is still early season and there are plenty of obstacles such as hidden logs, rocks, streams, and variable snow conditions that could bring your day to a screeching halt.  

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.

Regions covered