Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Avalanche danger will rise to high on Thursday as we receive snow and strong winds. This rapid load on the snowpack means that human triggered avalanches are very likely. Stay out of all avalanche terrain including the runouts beneath large avalanche paths. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Very dangerous wind slabs will develop Wednesday night and Thursday. Slabs could avalanche naturally or may require a human trigger to initiate a slide. Failures might occur in Thursday’s snow, one or more feet deep. Avalanches could fail deeper, as we’ve received more than 3 feet of snow since Friday and winds are actively redistributing it. 

    The most dangerous conditions exist in wind-loaded terrain at higher elevations. Pay attention as you transition into wind-affected terrain, and look and feel for sudden changes in snow surface texture and hardness. These areas are even more likely to slide, if steep enough. The avalanche danger will probably peak lateThursday before wind and snowfall amounts decrease in the evening. Stay out of avalanche terrain on Thursday by avoiding all slopes steeper than 35 degrees, and the lower angle terrain beneath steep slopes as well.

    Large slab avalanches occurred in the West Central zone, most likely on Monday.

Avalanche Discussion

A widespread avalanche cycle occurred Sunday night and Monday with numerous large to very large natural avalanches reported throughout the West North Zone. Most notable was a very large natural avalanche that hit Hwy 20, crossing both lanes outside of Newhalem. Avalanches on Shuksan Arm were impressive, breaking 2-3ft+ deep and propagating hundreds of feet wide. 

Skies cleared for a bluebird powder day on Wednesday before unsettled weather returned.  We received many reports of avalanches which failed during the storm earlier this week, some of which were an impressive sight. Travel cautiously in the next couple days as many slopes will be very dangerous during this next storm cycle. 

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.

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