Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

If the sun comes out and the snow gets wet, expect wet loose avalanches to occur on steep southerly aspects. Monitor slopes for warming and shift to drier snow or lower angle slopes if this happens. You could still trigger wind slab avalanches in Sunday’s snow on steep wind loaded pockets at higher elevations, so travel carefully in that terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Cloud cover forecasts are uncertain for Tuesday and it is unclear how many wet loose avalanches we will see. If the sun is shining midday and in the afternoon, expect wet loose avalanches to occur in moist low density snow on steep southerly slopes. Keep your eyes peeled for rollerballs running downhill. When this happens retreat to lower angle terrain or slopes on the northerly half of the compass. 

    (3/29/2021) Very small wet loose avalanches and rollerballs occurred on Mt Herman's lower SE slopes on Monday. Larger ones could happen on Tuesday. Photo: Pete Durr, USFS Backcountry Ranger

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Several human triggered wind slab avalanches occurred in the Mount Baker backcountry on Monday. Many of them were around 6 inches to a foot deep, although an isolated larger one is not out of the question. Two days out from Sunday’s storm, likelihood will decrease but you could still trigger wind slab avalanches on steep upper elevation wind-affected terrain. 

    Search for wind loaded features like smooth, pillowed slopes or rippled snow surfaces. Feel for thicker or hollow snow. Search for recent signs of avalanches and other bullseye clues. Loading most likely occurred in gullies, around features or on leeward slopes. Identify areas where wind deposited the snow and consider avoiding them. Traveling on earby non wind-loaded features or slopes less than 35 degrees will help you avoid triggering lingering wind slab avalanches on Tuesday.

    (3/29/2021) Several human triggered wind slab avalanches occurred in the Blueberry Chutes, NE 4800ft on Monday.

Avalanche Discussion

Good visibility on Monday enabled us to view an abundance of natural wind slab avalanches up to D2, 12-18 inches deep, at mid elevations on the Shuksan Arm (SW, 5400ft). An even larger one was seen on Mt Ann (NW, 5000ft) before visibility closed in. Clearly avalanche danger was most elevated during the storm, but triggering an avalanche is still possible on Tuesday.

Think of the consequences of your actions before exposing yourself to a slope where a wind slab avalanche might occur. Consider the depth of a possible avalanche, and the size of the slope. Ensure there are no terrain traps beneath you such as cliffs, trees or gullies to cause harm. Always make sure you have a functioning transceiver, shovel and probe and know how to use them when travelling in the backcountry.   

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.

Regions covered