Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche likelihood slowly reduced in the last few days although temperatures continue to hover above freezing. Your largest concern is avalanches releasing above you from large, overhanging cornices or steep, smooth rocky features where thick slabs of snow are still present. Remain alert for the unlikely chance of avalanches if you are traveling beneath these large features.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

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

    The threat of glide avalanches still exists, although unlikely, as the major rain event ended four days ago. Temperatures remain warm, but snow surfaces aren’t softening as much as expected during the day. Fewer glide avalanches are reported every day.

    Maintain awareness of glide avalanches as you travel. Search for cracks on steep rollovers and at the top or middle of steep slopes. Identify  “wrinkles,” where the snowpack is slowly slipping on the ground below and could potentially release. Chances of one of these avalanches releasing on you Monday is low, but the consequences if one does are high. Travel quickly through areas beneath these paths if you are unable to skirt wider and avoid them altogether.

    (1/14/2022) A glide crack visible on Video Peak in the Baker backcountry. Photo: Irene Henninger

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures are decreasing to 5000 feet by Monday evening. A small amount of precipitation could fall during the day - rain at lower elevations and snow higher. This isn’t expected to affect the forecast much, but remain alert if there is more softening than expected. This could slightly increase your chances of encountering glide or wet loose avalanches. Pay attention to snow surfaces, and if you begin sinking into the old snow more than a couple inches, avalanche likelihood could increase. Upper elevations could see small wind slabs developing, although they are probably not large enough to cause you harm. Finally, large sagging cornices are enough of a concern right now that if you can, travel around the areas beneath them.

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