Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A generally strong snowpack exists and the avalanche hazard should be limited on Wednesday. You may still see small loose wet avalanches on steep, rocky, upper elevation slopes in direct sunlight. Be cautious if you venture high into the alpine, and steer away from large cornice formations.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Expect sunshine Wednesday morning with increasing clouds by afternoon. The best chance for wet loose activity will exist on sun-exposed slopes at mid and upper elevations during the first half of the day. In the neighboring West North Zone, wet avalanche activity was widespread on E-S-W aspects Tuesday during a full day of sun, but was mostly small (D1). Any additional wet loose activity would involve the 2-4in of settled snow from Sunday night's storm which sits on a melt-freeze crust in most areas. Monitor changing conditions throughout the day, and keep an eye out for fresh rollerballs and pinwheels. Be careful near and below rocky outcrops and steep slopes in full sun, and move to shaded terrain to avoid the problem. Also, consider the consequences of even a small avalanche in exposed or confined terrain. Avalanches not large enough to bury you could still cause harm if they knock you off your feet, or carry you into trees or rocks. 

    An example photo of a loose wet avalanche that initiated in steep, rocky, sun-exposed terrain and ran towards ski tracks below. Photo: Zack McGill

Avalanche Discussion

Pleasant, dry weather should continue Wednesday before warming and light rain arrive Thursday. Winds have been calm the past two days, with little evidence of blowing snow and wind slab development. Generally, the few inches of recent storm snow from Sunday is settling, stabilizing, and well-bonded to the underlying crust. Even though wind slab avalanches are unlikely, travel cautiously if you venture into high, north-facing alpine terrain where it's not out of the question to find isolated areas of unstable wind-drifted snow. In similar terrain, be suspicious of large cornice formations. Stand back from these features along ridgelines, and give them a wide berth from below. Check out the media gallery for a recent cornice-triggered avalanche on Mt. Pilchuck.  In addition, keep glide avalanches in mind as sunny, warm, and/or wet spring-transitional weather continues. A very large glide avalanche occurred late last week in north-facing terrain below treeline in the Cascade River Road area on the border of the West North and West Central Zones. This was an isolated event, but widening glide cracks have been reported the past few weeks throughout the west slope of the Cascades. These avalanches are difficult to predict, but if you notice crevasse-like cracks in the snowpack, it is best to avoid these slopes and areas below. 

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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