Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

You can trigger slab avalanches in wind-stiffened drifts at upper elevations. While these areas are the most dangerous, you may also be able to trigger smaller, loose avalanches at middle elevations and in wind-sheltered terrain. Steer around slopes steeper than 35 degrees with pillows and sculpted wind features, as well as areas where the wind is depositing snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    To reduce your risk, avoid steep terrain beneath corniced ridgelines, leeward slopes, and near the base of cliffs. Winds will be strongest overnight, but could still transport snow during the day. Pay attention to where the blowing snow settles to identify where you could trigger an avalanche. There's plenty of light snow that could be easily drifted. Wind-sheltered terrain will provide safer options, though there are still considerations there (see below). 

    (12/19/2025)

    Wind drifted slabs and features on Setting Sun Mtn. 6,600ft

    Photo: Will Govus

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    In most locations, the recent snow will be loose and uncohesive. While loose avalanches are easier to manage, they're still worth considering. Shallow snow cover can make even smaller avalanches hazardous if they push you into rocks or logs. Thin clouds and a touch of sun could make it easier to trigger these slides on Monday.

    (2/7/2025)

    An example of loose dry avalnches on a a sunny slope near Washington Pass.

    Photo: NCH

Avalanche Discussion

On Friday, observers east of the Cascade Crest reported 8-12 inches of recent snow at 4500ft, increasing to 2 feet above 5,500ft. On Saturday, others reported a snow height of 6 feet at 6,700ft at the end of Twisp River Road. The Harts Pass snotel station is reporting just over 100" height of snow. There, observers reported whumpfing collapses on Friday. 

Observers have reported both storm interfaces and older crusts from mid-December in the upper snowpack. Generally, the bonds at these interfaces have been favorable, though there's a lot that we don't know. If you find cracks that shoot through the snow or test slopes that slide easily, default to lower-angle slopes. There's a large variation in new snow amounts and overall snow depths. Both will be greater as you gain elevation and get closer to the Cascade Crest.A series of major storms produced flooding, mudslides, and downed trees in mid-December. Currently, access to Washington Pass and Highway 20 west of Early Winters is closed due to mudslides and road crews working in the area. With limited access to the mountains, we have less information about the snowpack than usual. Travel with extra safety margins, make your own observations, and ease into new terrain slowly to account for the uncertainty. Make frequent observations using quick hand-pit tests and take extra time to assess before entering larger terrain. 

The weather over the past few weeks has been extraordinary, with torrential rains, extreme winds, flooding, and landslides. Many communities are dealing with damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, stretching resources thin. These events have limited access to the mountains for all of us. State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the worst of these impacts. We can help by being respectful of local communities, obeying road closures, and heeding ski area uphill travel policies.

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