Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Human triggered avalanches and signs of unstable snow were reported recently in many areas throughout the West North Zone. Avoid wind drifted slopes 35 degrees and steeper at upper elevations, especially where an avalanche could carry you into rocks, trees, cliffs, or other obstacles. Use caution as the icy old snow surface below the recent snow is a good sliding surface for avalanches and still makes for slick and challenging travel conditions. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You can trigger an avalanche in wind drifted snow large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person. Pay attention as you transition into wind affected terrain and look and feel for sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. You may find wind slabs on a variety of aspects and in unusual locations due to variable winds. Previously formed wind slabs still need time to stabilize, and fresh slabs could continue to build Thursday. Look for obvious signs of unstable snow like recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapses (observation, observation). Carefully assess how recent snow has bonded to old snow surfaces as you travel using hand pits and small test slopes. Seek out lower angled and wind-sheltered terrain to reduce your risk of triggering an avalanche. 

    (1/26/2021) Shooting cracks in new and wind drifted snow near Artist Point. Photo: Simon Trautman

Avalanche Discussion

Since Sunday, the Mt. Baker area picked up 10-12in of new snow. Strong and shifting winds accompanied this incremental load of cold, low-density snow creating variable loading patterns. Natural and triggered avalanches to destructive size 2 were reported Tuesday and Wednesday. Avalanches occurred on upper elevation, wind-loaded slopes breaking  6-24in deep on the slick underlying crust, as well as within new and wind drifted snow. Carefully assess the snowpack as you travel, especially on the northern half of the compass where you might find a layer of weak faceted snow associated with the crust (observation). In non-wind loaded areas, the recent snow may still be cohesionless, and loose snow avalanches could run far and fast.

The new snow is improving riding conditions following a period of cold, dry weather January 17-24, but firm and icy conditions still linger. On many slopes, the wind has scoured snow surfaces down to the old crust where travel is slick and challenging. These icy surfaces make a good bed surface for avalanches and maintain the slide for life hazard. At low elevations, the snowpack is thin, with plenty of non-avalanche hazards present like open creeks, downed trees, and icy trails. 

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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