Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You can trigger avalanches big enough to bury, injure or kill you on Sunday while the snowpack adjusts to all the new snow. A wet and wild storm cycle is giving us a break for a day, but avalanche danger remains. Stay off terrain steeper than 35 degrees, and consider travelling around flatter areas beneath steep slopes as large avalanches are still likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Storm slab avalanches remain a major avalanche concern on Sunday. Expect larger and more reactive slabs at mid to upper elevations where we received more snow and wind through Saturday. There is a lot of uncertainty about where failures may occur. Avalanches on Saturday happened in wind drifted pockets of snow around a foot deep. They will grow deeper by Sunday as more snow falls overnight. There is the possibility that failures could occur on other interfaces, even as deep as the 12/21 crust, now buried 4+ feet down. 

    Decreasing temperatures and snowfall until the early morning hours on Sunday will coat lower elevations, previously rained upon, with fresh snow. You may find reactive pockets of storm slabs at these lower elevations. Keep glide avalanches in mind in the same areas that received rain, below approx 4500ft. Given the uncertainty after such a massive precipitation event, continue to stay off slopes steeper than 35 degrees and be very wary around runouts of large avalanche paths as you travel.

    A human triggered slab avalanche from Thursday. Photo: Jake Little

Avalanche Discussion

We’ve had a steady stream of avalanches reported every day since Wednesday as snow continues to accumulate. The Mt Baker weather station has reported 9 inches of water Wednesday through Saturday evening, and over another inch of water will fall overnight. As snowfall amounts increase, avalanche uncertainty increases so exercise caution in the backcountry.  

A natural avalanche cycle Saturday night could finish up our last walloping of snow before the brief quieter period. Sunday is the first lull in a while, so do not let your guard down as the holiday period comes to a close. With such massive amounts of water the snowpack will take a while to adjust.  You will still trigger avalanches in the backcountry big enough to cause you or others harm.  

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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