Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Warm temperatures will maintain our concerns for wet loose avalanches on Tuesday. Pay attention as the snow softens and retreat from sunny slopes as you begin sinking in or noticing rollerballs coming down.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Increasing temperatures could lead to larger wet loose avalanches than what we saw Monday. Forecasts are showing some sun, so expect the largest avalanches to occur on slopes where the sun shines most intensely. This will begin on easterly aspects in the morning before shifting south and then to the west in the afternoon. Mostly clear skies overnight will hopefully give us a reasonable surface refreeze in snow that got wet Monday, but expect surfaces to unlock quickly on Tuesday. 

    At lower elevations softening will occur quicker, and the snow may not remain supportable throughout the day. You could sink well over a foot into uncompacted snow in some areas. Steep slopes at these lower elevations are primed to avalanche deeper, so stay away from those slopes when you notice the snow becoming punchy. 

    At higher elevations wet loose avalanches will probably stay limited to the snow which fell over the weekend. They could entrain large swaths and travel far enough to cause damage. When you notice snow getting wet, you begin to sink in more, or see rollerballs retreat to shadier aspects.

    (4/5/2021) As snow surfaces moistened on southerly aspects wet loose avalanche occurred in Sunday's new snow . Mt Baker Backcountry

Avalanche Discussion

A few small wind slabs were observed at upper elevations in the 6 inches of snow we received Saturday night and Sunday morning. With warmer temperatures they are expected to strengthen quickly, leaving only a very small chance of encountering them on Tuesday. There is a marked difference between north and south slopes, where high elevation direct north areas are holding onto dry powder, while the southerly half is slowly transitioning to spring conditions.  Large cornices are peeling off as we’re starting to experience these spring conditions, so exercise caution if you’re near them.

Recent glide avalanches were reported in the Hidden Lakes area on slopes that see frequent ones throughout the winter. Check out the observation HERE. As conditions slowly become more springlike expect the frequency of glide avalanches to increase. Limit your time below open glide cracks during this period of warm weather. 

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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