Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

While avalanches are generally unlikely, there's a chance that you may be able to trigger very small wet avalanches at upper elevations or in very steep terrain. Don't linger underneath cornices and use caution above cliffs where even small avalanches could be dangerous. For Sunday, expect light overnight snow or rain, warming temperatures, and clouds.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You may encounter areas of weak, wet snow at lower elevations and shallow roller balls in new snow above 6,000ft. If you sink into wet snow up to your boot-tops, move to slopes under 35 degrees. Consider the consequences of a cornice fall while warm weather continues. We've received observations of large cornices breaking and triggering avalanches earlier in the week. Minimize your time underneath lingering under large overhung features.

    Surfaces that were previously frozen could melt from warm temperatures and light rain. Some surfaces above treeline may stay supportive and firm. The snowpack is still transitioning to melt forms which adds uncertainty during this prolonged warm weather. 

    (3/22/2022)

    Large (D1.5) wet loose avalanche in one of the main Cutthroat paths above Hwy 20.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

A widespread natural wet loose avalanche cycle occurred on Tuesday near Washington Pass. On wind-sheltered NW-NE aspects near and above treeline, observers found near-surface facets 1-2 feet below the surface and often on a crust. This layer was the source of persistent slab avalanches near the Mount Baker ski area and other parts of the Cascades. A layered, winter snowpack still exists on these higher elevation northerly aspects. Even though the avalanche danger is low, it's worth digging to look for any weak snowpack structure before committing to steep terrain. 

A deeper persistent weak layer still exists in the zone that was responsible for avalanches in early March. The layer can still be found about 3 feet deep, sandwiched between eroding crusts on NW-NE aspects near and above treeline and has been particularly problematic in the Harts Pass area. The most recent of these occurred on March 9th in Allen Basin. While triggering an avalanche on this layer (the late January facets) is very unlikely, the consequences could be serious. You can limit your exposure to shallow, rocky areas and steep and unsupported slopes. See the avalanche occurrence database for more details.

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