Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A chance for isolated large glide avalanches is elevating the avalanche danger. Don't linger under steep slopes or cliffs where you see bulging snow, glide cracks, or unstable-looking blocks of snow. Be prepared for a variety of snow surfaces such as crusts, wind-affected snow, and the occasional soft patch.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Glide avalanches typically occur naturally during prolonged periods of warm temperatures, and they are difficult to predict. The best way to reduce the risk, is to avoid traveling beneath steep rock slabs or smooth shrub slopes, especially where you see glide cracks.

    We have evidence of older glide avalanches on slopes facing the sun, but they could also release on shady aspects.  In summary, avalanche danger is generally Low, but pay attention to overhead hazards. If cornices or other snow patches are sitting in precarious locations above you, or glide cracks are visible, beware of traveling beneath these features. 

    (1/28/2025)

    Mt Baker patrol reported this smaller (D1.5) glide avalanche on steep, cliffy terrain just outside of the ski area.

    Photo: Mt Baker Pro Patrol

Avalanche Discussion

Loose wet avalanches may also be possible, especially in upper-elevation areas that haven't yet produced many avalanches. Avoid travel on or below sunny slopes where you see fresh rollerballs, small wet avalanches, or find wet, mushy snow. 

Temperature inversions will be in place with warmer temperatures above and at upper elevations may not dip below freezing overnight. Clear skies, low humidity, and long wave radiation losses will likely freeze snow surfaces at all elevations. 

Many people traveled to far-flung areas in neighboring zones and even in the West Central zone (observation) over the weekend. If you climb into extreme terrain, know that even small avalanches could get you into trouble. Watch for unstable wet snow or pockets of smooth-looking wind slabs. Assess the instability before traveling onto steep slopes with consequences like rocks, cliffs, or crevasses in the runout below. 

Snow surfaces vary widely between slick crust, wind-affected snow, heavily tracked-out slopes, and even some soft snow in shaded and sheltered terrain. Expect firm crust on these aspects in the morning and after the sun leaves the slope. Shaded slopes will likely still hold surface hoar and weak, faceted snow. Plenty of facets can be found below the surface on all aspects, often sandwiched between and around crust layers. As we prepare for a major storm at the end of the week, keep track of where weak snow covers the snow surface. These may be our next weak layers.

Regions covered