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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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

New and wind drifted snow needs time to settle and stabilize. You can trigger avalanches large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person on slopes greater than 35 degrees. The most dangerous conditions exist in wind loaded alpine terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Fresh slabs will become more sensitive to triggers as you climb up in elevation. Be especially cautious of slopes below cornices, convexities, gullies, and areas around rocky outcrops. Slabs could break several feet thick within wind drifted snow and the slick 12/21 crust below could act as a good sliding surface for avalanches. Another few inches of snow overnight Saturday will bring snow totals since Christmas day to over 2ft. The new snow may also mask previously wind drifted slopes making it challenging to identify wind slabs. Ease into terrain slowly on Sunday and carefully evaluate the snowpack as you travel. Look for recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapses as red flags of unstable snow. Seek out lower-angled and wind-sheltered slopes to reduce your risk.

    (12/22/20) An example of a fresh wind slab avalanche that occurred on a NE aspect at 5000ft near Stevens Pass

Avalanche Discussion

In the past 24hrs, the Mt. Baker area received over 20in of new snow (2in SWE). Recent snowfall was associated with strong southerly winds that redistributed snow into deeper drifts in leeward terrain. Several triggered avalanches were reported Saturday failing about 1ft deep within wind drifted snow. Poor visibility limited observations above treeline. Expect a few more inches of new snow by Sunday morning before conditions dry out and winds decrease. Clouds should linger through the morning with the best chance for sunny skies in the afternoon. Keep a close eye on steep, rocky, sun-exposed slopes where solar radiation may be strong enough to destabilize snow surfaces and create small loose avalanches. 

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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