Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Stick with simple, lower-angle terrain to reduce the risk of triggering an avalanche. The new snow needs time to settle and gain strength before moving into steeper terrain. Stay alert to warming affecting new snow, especially if the sun comes out. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    By Sunday morning, many areas will have seen up to 2’ of new snow from the latest storm. This is on top of all the other snowfall from the past week. New snow instabilities tend to stabilize quickly. But the quantity of snow, a variety of weak interfaces, and the amount of avalanche activity in neighboring zones point toward a more cautious approach.

    Start the day with a very conservative, assessment-oriented mindset and gather information about the bond of new snow layers before considering anything bigger or steeper.  Slab avalanches are more likely in wind loaded terrain, but still look for instability in wind sheltered areas as well. You could find more dangerous conditions farther west in the forecast zone where there could be stronger winds and more wind transport.

     

     

    (3/14/2025)

    A human triggered avalanche on the Beast in the Baker Backcountry. North aspect at 5200'.

    (SS-AS-D2-I)

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures aren’t that warm, and the sun should stay hidden, but if either of these comes to fruition, then be ready for some wet avalanche action. Slopes below cliffs and rocky terrain or treed areas are usually the first to produce wet avalanches. Look for snow shedding from trees, rollerballs, and pinwheels as the first signs of snow warming and becoming unstable.

Observers in West North reported heavy snowfall and smaller slab avalanches to 12” deep and easy to trigger. Most looked to have only involved the most recent layer of new snow and were generally on wind loaded slopes. Numerous natural avalanches to D2 were also reported. In general, the likelihood of triggering or seeing an avalanche steadily increased throughout the day as the new snow stacked up. An NWAC Forecaster at Schriebers/Baker NRA reported even more new snow - about 18" - but no natural avalanches despite improving visibility toward the end of the day. Obervers in Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass found similar conditions but slightly less snow.  

 

 

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