Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanches are generally unlikely. However, expect another warm day on Monday with the potential for a poor overnight freeze of the snowpack. There is a chance you may be able to trigger very small wet avalanches in steep rocky terrain. Don't linger underneath cornices, and use caution above cliffs where even small avalanches could be dangerous.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    We are in store for another warm day on Monday with the potential for clearing skies and sun in the afternoon. Warm overnight temperatures may also prevent the snowpack from forming a thick, refrozen crust on the surface. You may encounter areas of weak, wet snow at lower elevations and shallow roller balls in more recent snow above 6,000ft. Slopes in direct sun may be more prone to these small wet loose avalanches. If you sink into wet snow up to your boot-tops, it might be time to move to lower angle slopes. Consider the consequences of a cornice fall while warm weather continues. We've received observations of large cornices breaking and triggering avalanches earlier in the week. Minimize your time underneath lingering under large overhung features.Some surfaces above treeline may stay supportive and firm. The snowpack is still transitioning to melt forms which adds uncertainty during this prolonged warm weather. 

    (3/22/2022)

    Large (D1.5) wet loose avalanche in one of the main Cutthroat paths above Hwy 20.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

A widespread natural wet loose avalanche cycle occurred last weak in the Washington Pass vicinity. On wind-sheltered NW-NE aspects near and above treeline, observers found near-surface facets 1-2 feet below the surface and often on a crust. This layer was the source of persistent slab avalanches near the Mount Baker ski area and other parts of the Cascades. A layered, winter snowpack still exists on these higher elevation northerly aspects. Even though the avalanche danger is low, it's worth digging to look for any weak snowpack structure before committing to steep terrain. 

A deeper persistent weak layer still exists in the zone that was responsible for avalanches in early March. The layer can still be found about 3 feet deep, sandwiched between eroding crusts on NW-NE aspects near and above treeline and has been particularly problematic in the Harts Pass area. The most recent of these occurred on March 9th in Allen Basin. While triggering an avalanche on this layer (the late January facets) is very unlikely, the consequences could be serious. You can limit your exposure to shallow, rocky areas and steep and unsupported slopes. See the avalanche occurrence database for more details.

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