Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Human triggered avalanches are likely on slopes greater than 35 degrees. Observers found reactive and unpredictable avalanche conditions on Tuesday. With uncertainties and continuing snowfall stick to slopes less than 35 degrees until the snowpack adjusts.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    You could trigger a slab avalanche in the recent storm snow. Observers in the Mt Baker area on Tuesday found snow developing into reactive pockets.  Some deposits were unreactive while others failed when approached from a distance. They ranged in size from small features to spanning large areas.  

    There is currently a storm slab problem, but keep tabs on additional wind loading which will make a slab even more reactive.  This problem will increase as you climb in elevation. Textured surfaces, pillows of recently drifted snow and new cornice development are signs that wind has deposited snow onto a slope. Until the new snow and avalanche uncertainty abates stay on slopes less than 35 degrees. 

    Small storm slab avalanche

Avalanche Discussion

A stout December 9 crust formed over our existing snowpack last week after 3 inches of rain fell. Avalanches are currently limited to the 2+ feet of new snow above the crust which will continue to grow in the coming days.  

Surface hoar developed on Saturday about 6” above the December 9 crust, but sun and strong winds destroyed it in most areas before new snow fell. Observers in the Mt Baker area have not found lingering surface hoar, but do not rule it out on treeless mid elevation slopes on east, north and west slopes.  You can dig down easily through the layers above the crust to see if there is a horizontal stripe of large feathery crystals. If you find surface hoar give steep slopes in the area a wide berth.

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