Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Although danger is Low in most areas, there is still notable creeping in glide cracks, and it's not yet the time to sit and have lunch beneath a gaping glide crack, an isolated patch of snow sitting on a rock, or wrinkled snow on a steep face. Keep your eyes scanning above you for any of these features, and travel quickly beneath, or steer around them. 

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Notable glide cracks continued to grow on Monday. As of forecast time, we haven't heard about any actual new glide avalanches, but we're not ready to pull the plug on this problem just yet.

    Identify glide cracks and other overhead hazards like blocks of snow still clinging to steep rock faces, or wrinkly snow patches on steep faces, before you are directly below them. Give them a wide berth, avoid the area completely, or travel hastily beneath them if you must be in that area. Do not stop, regroup, or linger below these areas of unstable-looking snow. 

    (1/16/2026)

    A large glide avalanche on the south face of Table Mountain in the Baker backcountry. 

    Photo: West Carlson

Avalanche Discussion

A forecaster in the Hidden Lakes area on Monday found hard snow surfaces with less rain impact, including smaller runnels and fewer signs of recent avalanche activity. Snow cover was thinner there, and temperatures have remained cooler farther east. They didn't feel as much of a concern for lingering glide problems. 

You may be wondering why danger isn’t rated Low, like in much of the Cascades. There are a few reasons we’re still holding onto Moderate. This area received significantly more rain during the Jan 12–13 atmospheric river and started with a deeper snowpack than most zones. In addition, we’ve continued to receive near-daily reports of growing glide cracks or glide releases. Temperatures will need to cool further, or we’ll need several days without new reports, before we’re comfortable dropping this problem and shifting to Low danger.

In the meantime, many areas can be treated as Low danger if you’re not seeing signs outlined in the Glide Avalanche Problem. Continue to stay aware of your surroundings, carry rescue gear, and use safe travel practices. Regarding snow surfaces, we can overwhelmingly say that they are firm and bumpy. This means travel may be tricky if you're sliding on boards or sledding, but it's a great time for traveling at walking speed right now. Consider carrying ice axes and crampons if you plan on going anywhere steep.

Midday, steep south-facing slopes have been softening. It may be a little windy Tuesday morning, but wind is expected to die down in the afternoon. Temperatures may be a degree or two colder, but otherwise, expect much the same for conditions. 

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