Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A natural avalanche cycle will continue with additional heavy snow, wind, and rain over the next 24 hours. Conditions will be dynamic and unmanageable Monday. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Expect another 1-3ft of new snow above 4000ft by Monday afternoon, adding to the 1ft+ of new snow from Sunday. The most dangerous conditions will exist in wind-loaded alpine terrain. Avalanches could grow large enough to bury cars or break mature trees and could run full track to valley bottom. Strong and gusty southwest winds will blow, and temperatures will continue to warm over the next 24 hours. Monday will be a good day to wait out the storm and let mother nature run its course. If you do venture out, be certain of your ability to identify and avoid avalanche terrain. 

    (2/14/2021) An example of a recent large natural avalanche (D2) in motion on Mt. Herman (N, 5000ft). Similar avalanches are very likely Monday. Photo: Pete Durr

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Heavy rain Sunday night and Monday will rapidly destabilize the snowpack. This warm and wet event will follow a prolonged period of relatively cold temperatures and low elevation snow.  Wet avalanches are expected in many areas and could grow large. Glide avalanches are even possible in areas below 4000ft. Avoid travel on or below steep slopes and steer clear of avalanche path run-out zones.

    (1/14/2021) Example photo of a wet snow avalanche in the West Central zone from a similar weather event earlier this season.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Heavy loading will continue to test deep weak layers in the snowpack. Even though it’s been quite a while since our last recorded avalanches on these layers in the West Central Zone, recent stormy weather severely limited observations. You could see naturally occurring deep slides, or shallower storm slabs may step down into these older layers. On Saturday an avalanche failed on the mid-Jan layer near Stevens Pass after more than a week without avalanches. Give this scary problem a wide berth. 

    (2/20/2021) This deep avalanche likely failed on the mid-Jan crust Saturday in the Stevens Pass Zone (S, 4900ft). Photo: Wash DOT NCR.

Avalanche Discussion

A strong atmospheric river event will continue to bring a surge of moisture to the West Central Zone. A natural avalanche cycle is already underway, and will likely continue through the day Monday. Expect a mix of wet and dry snow avalanche problems and very dangerous conditions at all elevations. 

Several natural and triggered avalanches to destructive size 2-3 were reported Sunday in the Stevens Pass and West North Zones Sunday. Avalanches broke within new and wind drifted snow, and deeper on old snow layers.  On Saturday, a snowboarder triggered and was caught, carried, and partially buried in an avalanche on Huntoon Point near Mt. Baker. They sustained non-critical injuries and were able to self-rescue with their partners. The avalanche was estimated to be 60ft wide and 1ft+ deep breaking within the recent storm snow.

In addition to very dangerous avalanche conditions, tree well and deep snow immersion hazards are a serious problem with all the recent snow. Find out more information about deep snow safety HERE. 

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