Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

This week's mild weather culminated in generally stable avalanche conditions. Rising freezing levels and light precipitation Saturday may result in rain-on-snow below 5000 feet in elevation.  Pay attention to snow surface conditions and avoid steep slopes where cold, dry snow is becoming wet.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wet loose activity should be limited on Saturday, but keep it in mind if you experience significant rain on new snow during the day, or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period. 

    Signs of weakening snow include rollerballs, pinwheels, and wet, sticky, or rapidly softening snow at the surface. If it does start to rain, expect slopes with dry, cold snow to weaken faster than those with crusts.  

    Any avalanches started on Saturday will probably be wet, heavy, and you will want to avoid them in terrain where they can push you into obstacles, over cliffs, or into gullies.

    (03/31/21) Rollerballs on steep slopes in direct sunlight facing east and south near 4200ft in the Glacier Creek area.

Avalanche Discussion

The last reported slab avalanches in this zone occurred on 3/30. In most areas, the recent storm snow is now well bonded to a firm underlying crust (3/28). Warming temperatures and sunshine made wet loose avalanche activity was the primary concern over the past few days. The warm-up was fairly muted -- the most active day was Wednesday 3/31 which produced rollerballs and pinwheels and a few small wet loose avalanches (D1.5) on solar slopes. 

Snow surface conditions are variable and have been affected by warming, sun, or wind in most areas. A melt-freeze crust exists on E-S-W aspects at all elevations, while cold, dry snow lingers on northerly aspects above 4000ft. 

Cornices are large and looming along many high elevation ridgelines. Continue to travel cautiously along ridgelines and in cornice run-out zones.

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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