Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

And the lights are on for the 2024-2025 forecast season! 

You could find a wind slab lingering at upper elevations that you might be able to trigger an avalanche on. Search out wind drifted, heavier snow along ridgelines and around other exposed features, and avoid them on steep slopes. The season is just starting, and the snowpack is deep at upper elevations, but down low there are still many exposed hazards that could end your season early. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You may find new and recently formed wind slabs at upper elevations. You could trigger an avalanche on one of these deposits. The size of drifts will probably remain shallow and small, limited to the top foot or less of the snowpack.

    Search for thicker, pillowlike deposits on the leeward side of ridgelines and around other exposed features like rocks or in gullies. Identify clues like long, shooting cracks from your weight on the snow. Avoid these slabs on steep slopes. Your largest concern is triggering one of these avalanches in high consequence terrain, where you could get carried through trees, off a cliff, or buried deep in a gully. 

    (11/16/2024) Human triggered wind slabs in the Baker backcountry during the active weather last week. Any newer avalanches will likely be shallower.  Photo: James Ellis

Avalanche Discussion

Despite the time of year, if the sun shines intensely then wet loose avalanche activity could occur on steep, sunny slopes. Avoid travel on or beneath these steep slopes if the sun is out. One observer was surprised to find wet activity during sun breaks on Tuesday. 

A lot of uncertainty exists, especially at upper elevations, due to limited information. No significant avalanche activity has been reported since last week, when we had an active storm cycle and several avalanche involvements occurred in the Baker backcountry.  Recent observations from different locations in the zone shared photos of glide cracks and glide avalanches (observation, observation), which present a low-probability, high-consequence concern if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lower elevations still harbor obstacles such as exposed or subtly buried stumps, rocks and creeks.

It's early season and there are a lot of unknowns, so travel carefully in the backcountry. This is a good time to get back into your winter mindset by paying attention to the snowpack, thinking about avalanches, and brushing up on your avalanche rescue skills. 

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