Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Isolated slabs in Wednesday night’s fresh foot or more of snow could react to a human trigger on Friday. The likelihood has decreased, but it is still possible, especially on upper elevation wind affected slopes. Investigate stability of the new snow and its bond with the underlying layer before exposing yourself to slopes steeper than 35 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    It is possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche in isolated upper elevation pockets. Feel for stiffer snow and identify wind-textured surfaces or pillows of snow. You are most likely to find them in gullies, around features or beneath rock bands.  Test small slopes to see whether these wind affected features are reactive. Investigate for weaknesses in the new snow layers with hand pits.  Until you've determined that the new snow and its interface with the underlying layer is unreactive, stay off slopes greater than 35 degrees in nearby areas.

    An example of a large wind slab avalanche which occurred earlier this year in the Bearpaw area. Photo: Patrick Kennedy

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Riders in the Mt Baker backcountry travelled in steep terrain Thursday morning without triggering avalanches. As the sun came out around midday, snow surfaces became heavier and slab avalanches started occurring. This doesn’t fit into your usual storm slab avalanche category, but it is an unusual springtime concern to keep on the radar. Pay attention to changing conditions, and notice whether the snow surface is becoming more “slablike”. If you identify changes, shift to smaller slopes and more conservative terrain until you understand how the snow will react in these different conditions. Temperatures will remain cooler Friday and likelihood of this phenomena occurring is low, nevertheless stay alert for this or any signs of weakness in the new snow layers which may lead to avalanches.

    (4/8/2021) Human triggered slab avalanches which began occurring when snow became heavier as the sun heated it around midday on Thursday. This was the case on southerly slopes. Photo Adam U

Avalanche Discussion

Thursday's small sun breaks may result in variable snow conditions on sunny aspects. Spring conditions make for challenging forecasting, where even a small sun break could drastically warm the snow surface and change avalanche conditions. Pay attention to the snow and weather as you travel, and prepare to make changes based on the information at hand.  Small sun breaks on Friday could occur, causing quick changes in conditions. 

Southerly slopes beneath the fresh snow layer were quickly transitioning to wet snow, while the upper elevation north aspect was still hanging onto winter. Beneath the new snow layer on the southerly half, the top couple feet or more of snow is wet and a few notable crusts are present. 

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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