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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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Concerns that large, natural glide avalanche could still happen keeps avalanche danger at Moderate. Avoid lingering beneath gaping glide cracks, isolated patches of snow on rock, or wrinkled snow on steep faces. Continuously scan overhead as you travel, and move quickly beneath any of these features you identify. In areas without these features, danger is Low and your largest hazard is firm, bumpy surfaces. 

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

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

    We remain concerned about glide avalanches in terrain known to produce them. In the West North zone, where conditions are likely similar, notable glide cracks continued to grow on Monday. As of forecast time, we have not received reports of new glide avalanches, but this problem is not yet off the table.

    Identify glide cracks and other overhead hazards—such as blocks of snow clinging to steep rock faces or wrinkled snow patches on steep slopes—before you are directly beneath them. Give these features a wide berth, avoid the area entirely, or move quickly through if travel is unavoidable. Do not stop, regroup, or linger below unstable-looking snow.

    (1/16/2026)

    A large, natural glide avalanche that ran on Friday in the neighboring West North zone. The avalanche happened midday, and crossed a common route of travel in the area. This would have likely been unsurvivable if someone were hit in the runout. 

    Photo: West Carlson

Avalanche Discussion

You might wonder why danger isn’t rated Low like much of the Cascades. The northern half of the West Central zone saw significantly more rain during the Jan 12–13 atmospheric river than other areas. In addition, near-daily reports of growing glide cracks or glide releases continued through Monday in the West North zone, where conditions are most similar. Temperatures will need to drop further, or we’ll need several quiet days without new reports, before we can downgrade to Low.

Many areas can still be treated as Low danger if you’re not seeing signs outlined in the Glide Avalanche Problem. Stay aware, carry rescue gear, and practice safe travel. Snow surfaces are firm and bumpy—tricky for sliding on boards or sleds, but ideal for walking. Bring ice axes and crampons if heading onto steep terrain.

Steep south-facing slopes have been softening midday. With a small amount of cloud cover on Wednesday, and temperatures dropping a few degrees less than previous days, softening may not happen. Otherwise, conditions have stayed very similar for days now. 

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