Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Another round of sunshine and unseasonably warm temperatures will maintain concern for wet avalanches Thursday. Pay close attention as conditions change throughout the day, and avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you encounter wet and weak snow surfaces. At upper elevations, carefully evaluate areas of wind drifted snow formed earlier in the week. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    You may encounter wet and weak snow surfaces on any aspect, but wet avalanches will be most likely on steep, rocky slopes in direct sunlight. Watch for dripping trees, pinwheels, and rollerballs as clues that loose wet avalanches may follow. Wet avalanches on Thursday could entrain significant snow as they run downslope and some may even grow large. Pay attention to changing conditions throughout the day, and move to shaded or lower angle terrain to avoid the problem. Watch for any opening glide cracks as well, and steer clear of areas near and below these unpredictable features.   

    (12/2/2020) Rollerballs and pinwheels on the east aspect of Table Mountain near 5500ft.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You may still be able to trigger an avalanche in wind drifted snow on slopes steeper than 35 degrees at upper elevations. Recent snow from Monday's storm was redistributed by strong southerly winds, and evidence of previous wind loading is easy to find high in the alpine. Although lingering wind slabs are gaining strength, pay attention as you climb up in elevation and transition into wind affected terrain. Watch for blowing snow, lens-shaped pillows, and sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. Steer around steep slopes and convex rollovers where you see old large drifts or feel firm hollow snow. Also, keep in mind that cornices may weaken during this dramatic warm-up and could sag or even drop onto slopes below acting as large triggers.

    (12/2/2020) Looking towards Ptarmagin Ridge and the NE side of Mt. Baker from Artist Point. Plenty of evidence of wind drifted snow in the Alpine.

Avalanche Discussion

Freezing levels skyrocketed Tuesday night (10000-11000ft) followed by sunny spring-like weather Wednesday. By mid-morning, snow surfaces were wet and weak on south and east aspects with wet loose avalanche activity observed in the Bagley Lakes area. A few glide cracks were visible in the area as well (see photo below). Despite the warm sunny weather, snow surfaces on shaded northerly slopes were still cold and dry with good riding conditions in the morning. Evidence of wind loading was easy to see high in the alpine. A handful of natural avalanches occurred in wind-loaded upper elevation slopes during Monday's storm, but lingering wind slabs are gaining strength and becoming harder to trigger.  

Snow depths range from 40-70 inches throughout the North Cascades, and continuous snow begins near 2500-3000ft. Snow coverage is well above average for this time of year, but early season conditions still exist. Stay alert for open creeks, tree wells, crevasses, or other exposed hazards. Consider the consequences when choosing terrain. Falling or getting caught in even a small avalanche could result in a rough ride.

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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