Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It is likely that you can trigger slab avalanches in mid to upper elevation terrain on Friday. The added weight of a human could cause an avalanche on slopes that did not slide in the natural cycle that happened on Wednesday. Steer clear of areas steeper than 35 degrees, choosing simpler lower angle terrain for now.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    A natural avalanche cycle occurred with our last blast of snowfall Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Similar slopes which have not slid continue to warrant concern for triggering with the added weight of a person. You will find the most reactive snow on wind loaded slopes, where avalanches could break several feet deep. It is still possible to trigger shallower avalanches on non-wind loaded slopes large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person.  The few inches of snow forecasted for Friday are not enough to change the problem.  

    Uncertainty remains on how widespread this avalanche concern is, and how reactive some slopes still are. After such a major weather event and avalanche cycle in some spots, it is worth it to give the snowpack a bit more time to heal. Continue to avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees at upper elevations as the snow adjusts to its recent large load. In all other areas test smaller slopes before committing to larger ones.  Look and feel for stiffer wind affected snow and check for near surface instabilities with hand pits before committing to steeper slopes. 

    A natural slab avalanche probably from the Jan 5/6 storm above Pocket Lake near Park Butte/Schreibers. Photo: Jeremy Malsam

Avalanche Discussion

The avalanche cycle which occurred during the storm Tuesday night into Wednesday morning caused large natural avalanches failing 6-12 inches deep within recent storm snow.  The storm was enough added weight to also trigger very large (D3) avalanches which failed several feet deeper into last week’s snowpack (totaling 12 inches of water). Mt Baker Ski Patrol tested the Shuksan Arm with explosives on Thursday out of concern for large avalanches running into the ski area boundary. Several shots yielded no results, except one which triggered a very large avalanche with a 6-10ft crown.  It is getting harder to trigger an avalanche, but results are still deadly if you do hit the right spot. 

Massive amounts of recent snow is causing other natural hazards to become more pronounced. Do not travel near the edge of cornices, as they tend to break further back than expected. Tree well and deep snow immersion are a very real problem in the area. Learn more about deep snow immersions HERE.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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