Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

6AM Update: Increased the danger to Moderate near and above treeline due to more warming and sunshine than expected.

Monitor changing conditions throughout the day as snow surfaces become wet and weak. Loose wet avalanches are possible on steep, rocky, upper elevation slopes in direct sunlight. Be cautious if you venture high into the alpine, and steer away from large cornice formations.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Expect increasing potential for wet loose activity on sun-exposed slopes at mid and upper elevations. Wet avalanche activity was widespread on E-S-W aspects Tuesday during a full day of sun, but was mostly small (D1). Any additional wet loose activity would involve the 4-6in of settled snow from Sunday night's storm which sits on a melt-freeze crust in most areas. Keep an eye out for fresh rollerballs and pinwheels as it warms up throughout the day. Be careful near and below rocky outcrops and steep slopes in full sun, and move to shaded terrain to avoid the problem. Also, consider the consequences of even a small avalanche in exposed or confined terrain. Avalanches not large enough to bury you could still cause harm if they knock you off your feet, or carry you into trees or rocks. 

    Example photo of wet loose avalanches crossing common travel routes on the south side of Table Mountain.

Avalanche Discussion

Pleasant, dry weather should continue Wednesday before warming and light rain arrive Thursday. Winds have been calm the past two days, with little evidence of blowing snow and wind slab development. The 4-6in of recent storm snow is settling, stabilizing, and well-bonded to the underlying crust. Even though wind slab avalanches are unlikely, travel cautiously if you venture into high, north-facing alpine terrain where it's not out of the question to find isolated areas of unstable wind-drifted snow. In similar terrain, be suspicious of large cornice formations. Stand back from these features along ridgelines, and give them a wide berth from below. In addition, keep glide avalanches in mind as sunny, warm, and/or wet spring-transitional weather continues. A very large glide avalanche occurred late last week in north-facing terrain below treeline in the Cascade River Road area (see photo below). This was an isolated event, but widening glide cracks have been reported the past few weeks throughout the West North Zone. These avalanches are difficult to predict, but if you notice crevasse-like cracks in the snowpack, it is best to avoid these slopes and areas below. 

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