Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Heightened avalanche danger continues at mid and upper elevations, with leftover wind slabs still posing a risk. Warming temperatures may allow for isolated wet avalanche activity on low-elevation, sun-exposed slopes. Steer clear of steep, rocky terrain holding wind-drifted snow, and if the snow becomes warm and sticky, move to shadier aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    It's still possible to trigger a residual wind slab on Sunday. As freshly blown snow settles, it will likely become stiffer and harder to trigger. If you do find one, it could be surprising and large. Evaluating this problem will require different techniques than the usual “stepping on a test slope” or digging near your feet.

    Failures are most likely on very steep, less supported terrain such as chutes, within cliff bands, or on large rollovers. Look for visual signs of wind loading, such as firm, wind-compacted surface snow, freshly formed cornices, and wind lips. Avoid the downwind slopes where these features exist. Better yet, avoid leeward unsupported slopes altogether for another day and seek out simpler, wind-sheltered terrain.

    (12/27/2025)

    A freshly formed wind lip and wind-textured surfaces near Crystal Mountain. Clear indicators of wind-blown snow.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

Friday night’s storm delivered excellent snowfall to the West South zone. Weather stations reported 14 inches at White Pass, 10 inches at Crystal, and 12 inches at Paradise. Moderate to strong winds accompanied the storm into early Saturday morning before easing through the day.

There was a close call in the Crystal backcountry on Saturday in the Platinum Peak area, at around 6,400 feet. Cracking within wind drifted snow was observed nearby. Thankfully, the party was uninjured. There was also some small, natural avalanche activity reported in the White Pass backcountry.

Sunday should be another beautiful day across the western Cascades, with high-level clouds and slightly warmer midday temperatures. There is a chance of loose wet avalanche activity on sunny, low-elevation slopes, though any instability should be short-lived. If you begin to notice sticky surface snow or roller balls forming on steep terrain, consider moving to shaded aspects.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

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