Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

You may be able to trigger small avalanches where wind and snow form shallow drifts at upper elevations. You may still find areas of wet, weak snow at low elevations. While avalanches could be possible near Washington Pass, conditions may be less dangerous elsewhere. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Steer around fresh drifts on leeward sides of ridges at upper elevations. Any wind slabs should be limited to small pockets within the terrain. Expect these avalanches near Washington Pass if you find fresh drifts at least 6 inches deep or recent snowfall of at least 4 inches in wind-sheltered areas. Check how much recent snow has accumulated and look for signs of blowing snow or recent drifting. Use caution on steep northerly aspects, especially above 6,000ft, where snow could slide easily on the interface of new and old snow. Further east and at lower elevations, you may find less elevated conditions. 

    (3/8/2021) An example of blowing snow forming wind slabs in the Hairpin Valley near Washington Pass.

Avalanche Discussion

Near Washington Pass, unsettled weather will continue into Monday. As is typical for this time of year, there's uncertainty in the weather forecast and snowfall amounts. Continue to stay aware of overhead or nearby cornices. Put a large margin of terrain between you and any cornices. 

This week, warm temperatures and sun formed crusts on the surface of most slopes to about 6,500ft. On Thursday, observers reported a large wet loose avalanche in the Cutthroat avalanche paths above Highway 20. You may still find isolated areas of wet, uncohesive snow below 4,500ft. Steeper north aspects and those at upper elevations may have held weak, dry snow that now makes up the 3/18 interface.  Since the beginning of March, the region has undergone a slow warming trend. Observers have reported loose avalanches (both wet and dry) and falling cornices. Cornices are very large and still loom on many ridges.  Most of the observations of cornice fall came early in the month, but we continue to receive occasional reports. The mid-January weak layer that plagued most of the Cascades for the month of February was much less of a factor near Washington Pass.

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