Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

At upper elevations, you may be able to trigger slab avalanches where you find recently drifted snow. Travel cautiously around steep terrain features where the wind has blown the snow into pillow-like drifts in open terrain or near ridges. You may see small loose avalanches on steep sun-exposed slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Watch for small avalanches on steep, sun-exposed slopes that hold new snow. These avalanches will be most likely above 6,000ft near and west of the Cascade Crest. The sun may warm and weaken recent snow throughout the day. Watch for slides coming from overhead terrain. Use extra caution on sunny slopes 40 degrees and steeper containing terrain traps like rocks, trees, and gullies. Even a small slide in this terrain could be enough to injure you. Rollerballs, recent avalanches, or moist snow that slides easily are all signs of the danger. If you see this, move to shadier or lower-angled terrain. Observers have reported open glide cracks. While unlikely, glide avalanches could bring serious consequences. 

    (1/21/2022)

    Wet loose avalanches from the Stevens Pass.

    Photo: Brian Murphy

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    You may be able to trigger slab avalanches in pockets of recently drifted snow. If you see signs of cracking, steer around convexities and slopes steeper than 35 degrees. You can avoid triggering these avalanches by sticking to lower-angled slopes, lower elevation terrain, or ridges and wind-scoured areas.

    On Friday, observers reported moderate wind transport from northwest winds at high elevation ridge tops. Wind slabs will be bigger and more consistent in terrain near and west of Washington Pass. Further east, less recent snow accumulated. 

    (12/29/2021)

    Example of a small wind slab from December on Delancey Ridge.

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

Crusts and recent snow cap the snowpack. Above 6,000ft you may find up to 6" of snow that accumulated on the 20th. Temperatures will be very warm on Saturday. With warming and strong sun comes some uncertainty around the possibility of wet avalanches, cornice falls, and glide avalanches. Breaking cornices or falling off of them can be a hazard anytime you're near the top of a ridge. Use caution not to step far out onto or linger underneath them. If you're in the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting an observation. 

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