Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Expect dangerous avalanche conditions to continue on Tuesday with large avalanches in new snow. You can trigger avalanches at upper elevations where the wind forms deeper drifts and on steep sun-exposed slopes. Expect ongoing snow, strong wind, and clearing in the afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–2.5

    Use extra caution on slopes 35 degrees and steeper, especially where the wind is drifting stiffer slabs of snow. Stick to slopes that are sheltered from the wind, less than 35 degrees, and well out from under other steep slopes. Fresh avalanches, cracks shooting through the snow, stiffer layers, and active wind transported snow are all signs that you could trigger an avalanche. These avalanches will be large and likely on leeward slopes at mid to upper elevations. Cornices have built rapidly and could fall and trigger slides, especially if the sun shines on them. With very windy conditions, you may also be able to trigger wind slab avalanches below treeline and in unusual places. Even in wind-sheltered terrain, you can trigger avalanches in the new storm snow. 

    (3/15/2022) An example of a wind slab avalanche from March on Kangaroo Ridge Photo: Josh Hirshberg

  • Loose Dry

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

    If the sun shines on steep slopes, expect to see natural wet avalanches. If they gouge through all of the recent snow, they could become large and dangerous. Avalanches will be bigger near and west of Washington Pass. Indicators that wet loose avalanches could occur are prolonged breaks in the clouds, moist snow surfaces, wet snow falling from trees, and rollerballs. If you see this or wet avalanches, move to more shaded, northerly aspects or slopes less than 35 degrees.

    The showery nature of this storm could create moments of clearing or thin clouds throughout the day. The best chance for prolonged sun and clearing looks to be after 11am. Expect more significant clearing east of Cutthroat creek.

    (4/2/2022)

    Large wet avalanche debris that likely occurred during the last week in March. Silverstar Mtn

    Photo: Public obs

Avalanche Discussion

As of Monday evening, over 2 feet of snow accumulated near Washington Pass. Another foot of snow could accumulate by late Tuesday. Expect less snow further east. Westerly winds have been strong and gusty. If you're in the mountains, submit an observation and let us know what you see.

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