Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Human-triggered avalanches happened on steep, unsupported slopes on Saturday. We expect similar activity could result on Sunday, so shift your travels to gentler terrain, and most importantly, steer clear of areas with terrain traps, which could amplify the effects of getting caught in an avalanche. The sun will shine a bit more intensely, so small wet avalanches could run in this light, fluffy new snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Several human-triggered avalanches were reported in the Baker backcountry on Saturday, and conditions aren’t expected to change much for Sunday. A sunny day with fresh snow is inviting—but danger is not Low. You can still trigger and get caught in an avalanche.

    Most activity is occurring on steep, unsupported slopes, failing on the recent crust 8–12 inches below the surface. At higher elevations, previous wind transport may have created thicker, more reactive slabs, with added uncertainty from potential weak layers beneath the new snow.

    These avalanches may not be large, but they’re still consequential—especially above terrain traps like cliffs, trees, rocks, or gullies, where even a small slide can have serious outcomes. Choose simpler terrain: smaller features and lower-angle slopes. If you step into steeper terrain, carry a transceiver, shovel, and probe, know how to use them, and travel with a partner. Even then, avoiding an avalanche altogether is the best plan.

    (2/14/2026) A human triggered avalanche in Mazama Bowl, 5500ft, N. SS-ASu-D1.5-I  Photo: Mike Elges - Cascade Mtn Ascents

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The sun popped out at the end of the day Saturday, but it wasn't quite intense enough to result in wet loose avalanches. For Sunday, expect more sun and all sorts of loose avalanches in the light, dry snow. In steep cold areas, you can probably trigger small dry loose avalanches, but as the sun pops out and the trees start shedding and rocks warm up, expect an uptick in wet loose avalanches. 

    Pay attention to sky cover and steep slopes that are directly facing the sun as it shines intensely. Avalanches may just run in the top few inches of new snow, but if warming is more than expected, avalanches could run the entire depth of the new snow layer, a foot deep. If you see natural avalanches that are large enough that you won't want to get caught, steer around nearby steep slopes and the runout beneath those areas. 

    (3/21/2021)

    Wet loose avalanches often initiate where snow sheds off rocks and trees onto the slope below. Note that there are both small rollerballs and wet loose avalanches in this image. 

    Photo: Zack McGill - Cascade Mtn Ascents

Avalanche Discussion

Around a foot of new snow fell in the Baker backcountry from Friday night through Saturday, with similar totals across much of the zone. On sunny slopes and at lower elevations, this snow sits on a crust. In sheltered terrain at lower elevations, some avalanches may have failed on buried surface hoar that existed before the storm.

On shaded slopes—especially higher elevations where light, dry old snow remained—the new snow may now rest on weak facets in the old snowpack. Start cautiously in higher terrain and stick to smaller test slopes first. As you change aspect or elevation, the layers beneath you can change too, so stability in one spot doesn’t guarantee stability nearby.

Take time to gather clues as you travel: recent avalanches, cracking, or collapsing are clear signs to step back. When in doubt, stick to lower angle terrain. 

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