Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Deposits of windblown snow from Wednesday's storm may still need time to settle and stabilize. Triggering an avalanche is possible on leeward upper elevation slopes near ridge crests, in gullies, and in unsupported terrain steeper than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You may be able to trigger avalanches in wind drifted snow on slopes 35 degrees and steeper, primarily on northerly aspects above 4500ft. Monitor changing conditions as you climb up in elevation and transition into wind affected terrain. Use visual clues to help identify wind-drifted snow and look for sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Blowing snow and fresh cornices are good indicators wind slabs likely exist nearby. Carefully assess the upper snowpack as you travel, and look for cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanches. To avoid the problem, choose sheltered, lower-angle terrain, and steer around convex rollovers and slopes below cornices. 

    (11/23/20) Shallow wind slab (D1) failed naturally within recent wind drifted snow on a north aspect at 4500ft near Austin Pass

Avalanche Discussion

A wet weather system aimed at British Columbia will just barely graze the Northwest Cascades Thursday night, with 1-2in of new snow expected by Friday morning in the Mt. Baker area. Expect calm weather and mostly cloudy skies throughout the day Friday. By late afternoon, gusty south winds may arrive ahead of an incoming frontal system that could deliver 5-8in of new snow by Saturday morning. 

A handful of small avalanches were reported in the Hwy 542 corridor since Wednesday's storm. Human triggered slab avalanches were small and shallow, failing within recent snow 4-6in deep in northerly terrain above 4500ft. Wet loose avalanches were reported as well. It did not take much sunshine for solar slopes to become wet and weak and steep rocky areas to shed snow (observation). Keep wet loose avalanches in mind if the sun makes an unexpected appearance on Friday.

The recent storm snow is right-side-up and generally well bonded to old snow surfaces. Snow depths range from 40-60in throughout the North Cascades, and continuous snow begins near 2500ft. Snow coverage is well above average for this time of year, but early season conditions still exist. Stay alert for open creeks, tree wells, crevasses, or other exposed hazards. Consider the consequences when choosing terrain. Falling or getting caught in even a small avalanche could result in a rough ride.

Now is a great time to run through your safety equipment and make sure everything is in good working order. CLICK HERE for more information on early-season equipment checks. What did you see out in the field? SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS with NWAC and the backcountry community. Check out this BLOG POST and VIDEO TUTORIAL to find out more about why observations are so important and how you can view and share information on NWAC’s new public observations platform.

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