Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Dangerous, overlapping avalanche problems exist, and human-triggered storm snow avalanches are likely, especially as you gain elevation. This isn't a day to see how far you can push it into steep terrain; avoid travel on all steep slopes. Wet snow avalanche concerns aren't going away quickly, so avoid travel beneath glide cracks, large saggy cornices, or new snow that gets moist and begins rolling downhill. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Heavy snow and wind in the last 48 hours will build fresh slabs that could be several feet thick up high. At first, snow predominantly fell at upper elevations, but as temperatures drop Monday night, we'll even see snow at lower elevations. We're not sure if there will be enough new snow down low for dry slab avalanches to result there. As you climb higher, snow depths will grow and avalanche size and danger will increase.

    Stormy weather and poor visibility may make it tough to assess stability. You're most likely to trigger a slab in wind-loaded terrain, but any steep slope with more than about 6 inches of new snow should be considered suspect. Use hand shears or test slopes to find strong-over-weak layering and assess reactivity. When in doubt, stick to sheltered, lower-angle slopes. If you notice any natural avalanches, avoid travel beneath large slopes as well. 

    (11/17/2024)

    Example: triggering large storm slab avalanches like with one that could catch, carry and kill you are likely during your outing. 

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    There may be well over a foot of snow at upper elevations, but we saw glide cracks and avalanches in many spots before this storm entered the picture on Monday, and we don't expect glide avalanche activity to slow down just yet at any elevation.

    Glide cracks and other unstable snow features on cliffs or unsupported slopes could turn into large slab avalanches. Cornices continue to weaken and remain a concern. Stay out from beneath glide cracks, snowy cliff faces, and corniced ridgelines. While these release intermittently, the danger is real, especially in complex terrain where it’s harder to give yourself space from overhead hazards. 

    Increasing temperatures during the day mean that wet, loose avalanches could also run in the new snow surface layers. 

    (4/6/2025)

    Large glide cracks and a glide avalanche near Snowking, just south of the West North boundary. 

    Photo: Derrick

Avalanche Discussion

Large natural avalanches were reported outside the Mt Baker Ski Area boundary on Monday from Sunday night and Monday's windy rain and snow event. Some were probably wet snow avalanches from the mid-elevation band, but there were likely dry snow avalanches from upper elevations as well.

Snow and avalanche conditions are wildly unpredictable right now.  The fickle spring weather is performing at its best, and we're receiving very little information from backcountry travelers, furthering our uncertainty in conditions. 

Over the weekend, wet loose avalanches, glides, and cornice falls were observed in many locations throughout the zone. Even with this coating of new snow hiding the underlying springlike layers, cornices continue to sag, and glide slabs are still creeping downhill. New snow may also hide glide cracks that you could fall into. 

With this unusual combination of wet and dry avalanche problems with potentially large amounts of snow and rain continuing on Tuesday, be sure to travel cautiously in the backcountry.  The best advice? Stick to sheltered terrain with minimal overhead exposure while the storm plays out and temperatures cool off.

Regions covered