Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A classic spring weekend is on tap with lots of sun, balmy temperatures, and light winds. Be wary of steep slopes where the snow is thick, unsupportable, and wet. 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

    More sun and warmer temperatures are forecast for Friday. Consider the following when coming up with a plan for the weekend.

    • Anticipate wet avalanches at all aspects and elevations, not just slopes directly facing the sun.
    • Cornices and other hanging snow features will weaken and start to fall down the mountain. Falling cornices and shedding snow can also trigger larger 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 won't gain much strength with cooler conditions overnight.
    • Human-triggered wet avalanches are possible. Pay attention to any snow that starts to move with you when descending.

    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.

    (3/30/2024)

    Steep rocky, snow-covered terrain is the kind of place that could produce a larger avalanche. Don't linger below, especially in gullies that concentrate and funnel avalanche debris.

    Photo: Josh Metzger

Avalanche Discussion

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.

Low and mid-elevation snow cover varies quite a bit with aspect. Southerly slopes are bare in the West Central 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.

Thick, unsupportable snow and numerous wet avalanches were reported from across the Cascades on Friday. Mid-elevation temperatures hovered in the low to mid-40s in most locations. Downright hot (for the mountains in springtime, at least) conditions were experienced in the passes, with high temperatures of 50F at Stevens Pass and almost 60F at Snoqualmie Pass. A weak freeze overnight Thursday didn't form much of a crust and light winds didn't do much to keep snow surfaces cool. Any crust that did form overnight broke down quickly with rising temperatures.

 

 

Regions covered