Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Heavy new snow and strong winds will increase avalanche danger at all elevations Wednesday. Natural avalanches are possible. Avoid steep slopes and minimize exposure to avalanche terrain above you.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    A powerful storm is in the forecast with 2’ of new snow and ridgeline winds gusting to 35mph by Wednesday afternoon. Travel conditions will deteriorate and avalanche danger will rise quickly compared to the calm and stable conditions experienced since last weekend. Unstable slabs of new and wind drifted snow could potentially be found in all areas regardless of aspect and elevation. In some areas a weak snow surface might make for a poor bond between the new snow layer and the old surface. Anticipate deeper, more reactive slabs on wind loaded slopes near and above treeline.

    Don't ignore obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks, whumphs, and natrual or human triggered avalanches as you travel on Wednesday. Stick to low angle, sheltered terrain to reduce risk while the storm runs its course.

    Small snowmobile triggered storm slab. 

    Photo: Jon Ferrian

Avalanche Discussion

Several days of stormy weather are in the forecast for the Cascades with continued snowfall and periods of strong wind, potentially through Christmas.  Snow levels will fall to valley bottom - even down to sea level - later in the week.

Clear night skies and light winds created a weak snow surface of surface hoar or small facets observed around the Baker BC. A rise in freezing levels on Tuesday wetted the snow surface at lower to mid-elevations and severely damaged these weak snow grains. Despite the latter observation,  new snow falling on surface hoar or facets is still a point of uncertainty and could enhance avalanche danger in the coming days. 

Reported avalanche activity was minimal since the natural avalanche cycle on December 18th. Human and snowmobile triggered wind slab avalanches were reported on the 19th at Mt. Baker and Canyon Creek.  Small loose wet avalanches related to clear skies and strong sun were reported the same day and also on Monday the 20th.

Regions covered