Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Some light snow and moderate winds may build unstable drifts of snow near ridges in alpine terrain. Use caution and steer around steep terrain with these pillow-like drifts to avoid triggering avalanches. Small wet avalanches may also be possible at lower elevations where precipitation falls as rain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Light snow with moderate winds is in the forecast and will likely build fresh shallow wind slabs on lee aspects near ridges and in wind-exposed alpine terrain. Visual clues such as textured surfaces, blowing snow, cornices, and pillow-like drifts of snow can help you identify and avoid fresh wind slabs. If you observe shooting cracks or feel the snowpack collapse beneath you, move to lower angle or wind-sheltered terrain. While we expect the size of the avalanches to be small, even small avalanches can be consequential if it knocks you off your feet and carries you into trees, rocks, over cliffs, or buries you in confined terrain.

    An observer noted small, isolated wind slabs right near ridgelines on Friday. These older wind slabs may still be lingering but more stubborn to trigger. You can use a pole or probe to feel for stiffer layers under a few inches of fresh snow. 

    (1/9/2022)

    Blowing snow and a wind slab in alpine terrain.

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

Last week, Washington Pass picked up 10-12" of snow, which has gradually settled above a crust from 4/8". This incoming storm will be warmer, with snow levels increasing to around 3500 feet, and lower elevations may see rain. On northerly aspects, this rain may fall on dry snow, and small wet loose avalanches may be possible. Look for rollerballs and fresh loose wet avalanches to clue you into this avalanche problem. Spring weather in the Cascades is notoriously tricky and can change rapidly. If you are out adventuring during the long days, keep your senses tuned into the snow and look for signs of deteriorating snow stability.

Information and observations are limited. Access to snow-covered slopes has become difficult in many parts of the zone. Be prepared to make your own observations and assessments. If you see conditions different from what we describe, defer to lower-angle and simpler terrain. The North Cascades Highway SR 20 is currently gated at Silverstar, though the road is plowed further west. Until the road opens, WSDOT allows recreational access on the North Cascades Highway near Washington Pass from Friday-Sunday. With road clearing operations underway midweek and other professional operations inactive, your observations are essential. If you're out in the mountains, let us know what you see. 

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