Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Small avalanches are possible in specific areas Thursday.  Where you find wind-stiffened snow assume you can trigger a shallow wind slab avalanche on similar terrain features.  Move off sunny slopes before mid-day if the snow surface starts to moisten and you see natural pinwheels and rollerballs. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You can still trigger shallow wind slab avalanches on wind-loaded slopes at higher elevations.  As you climb, feel for firmer or hollow sounding snow above the hard 12/21 crust.  The crust is 4-6" below the snow surface in non-wind affected areas and you may find drifts of around 1' deep or more on wind loaded slopes.  Steer around slopes below cornices and use caution near steep wind loaded terrain.  As winds increase Thursday afternoon, watch to see if new or similar aspects start to see freshly drifted snow.  

    Large to very large slab avalanches released during the storm cycle that ended Monday that featured heavy rain and snow.  Avalanche activity tied to these larger slides has subsided. Take a look at the media strip below to see some of the impressive avalanches that released earlier in the week. 

    12/23/2020 - Small natural wind slab avalanche released below a ridgeline on the Easton Glacier. Look for fresh cornice lines to help gauge which slopes may be wind loaded.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    In less wind-affected areas you may see or trigger small loose wet avalanches as the sun comes up.  Mild temperatures at mid and upper elevations are expected to persist overnight and Thursday.  Increasing winds and high cloud cover Thursday afternoon may cap their potential later in the day. 

    Loose wet avalanches will be small, predictable and involve shallow amounts of surface snow above the most recent crust. Move off sunny slopes before mid-day if the snow surface starts to moisten and you see natural pinwheels and rollerballs.  Loose snow will shed below steep rock faces and may trigger small slides on the slopes below. 

    12/23/2020 Rollerballs releasing below a steep rock face in the Mt Baker backcountry. Avoid hanging out in terrain like this as conditions warm Thursday.

Avalanche Discussion

We are now several days out from a significant storm cycle that stressed the snowpack and caused very large avalanches in parts of the zone.  As the weather improves and we start to get observations from more areas and higher in the terrain,  we can turn our attention away from the 12/9 crust/weak layer interface to new snow avalanche concerns above the 12/21 crust.  

It's worth noting that the storm cycle that ended Monday night tallied 10+ inches of water over the previous week. The cycle peaked at the end with over 3" of water in the Mt Baker area Sunday night through Monday evening and evidence of rain up to at least 5500' in elevation.  

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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