Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Although the storm is ending, recent snow needs time to settle and stabilize. Be ready to make assessments as you travel as snow and avalanche conditions may vary from one slope to the next. Ease into terrain slowly and avoid large rollovers and wind-loaded slopes 35 degrees and steeper.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Another 9in of new snow fell over the past 24 hours bringing snow totals since 3/18 to over 40in at Heather Meadows. Several human-triggered avalanches occurred over the past few days including a few close calls on Shuksan Arm, one of which resulted in a partial burial. Fortunately, there were no injuries. Although snowfall looks to taper off by Wednesday night, the snowpack still needs time to adjust. Expect the thickest slabs in wind-loaded terrain above treeline. Avalanches could break on a variety of storm layers from the past week. The most recent storm snow from Tuesday/Wednesday may even rest atop a layer of buried surface hoar, especially in wind-sheltered areas above 4000ft on north and east aspects. Gather information before committing to consequential routes. Use hand pits, column tests, and small test slopes to assess the recent snow. If you find recent avalanches, cracking, collapsing, or sudden or propagating fractures in tests, choose simpler terrain and slopes less than 35 degrees. Bring a conservative mindset and keep making assessments throughout the day as you change aspects and elevations.

    (3/23/2021) This large slab avalanche failed within recent snow about 10 inches deep in the Canyon Creek area on Tuesday. Unknown trigger.

Avalanche Discussion

Conditions are variable throughout the West North Zone, and what you find on one slope or drainage may be different from the next. Snow totals since 3/18 have ranged from 2-3ft+ causing variation in the depth and sensitivity of storm slabs. Snowfall from Tuesday night and Wednesday may have buried weak snow surfaces with reports of widespread surface hoar before the storm began. Uncertainty remains as to whether it was destroyed by wind or buried intact. Do your homework before committing to steeper terrain and bring fresh eyes to each slope you plan to ski or ride.

In addition to slabs of new and wind drifted snow, loose avalanches may be a factor on Thursday. In wind-sheltered terrain, sluffs could run far and fast. Although cloudy skies look to significantly limit solar radiation, the sun could play a factor if the cloud cover forecast does not verify. Be heads up if the sun comes out for any prolonged period of time. Cold, dry snow surfaces could rapidly lose strength and loose wet avalanches could even grow large on steep, E-S-W facing slopes.

Sadly, a fatality occurred in the Lake Tahoe area in California on Saturday when a snowmobiler stepped too close to the edge of a cornice and it broke on them. You can read the report HERE. Stay far away from the edge of cornices and the slopes beneath them as they continue to grow larger. Glide cracks are also widening, and despite cooler temperatures, exercise caution by avoiding or limiting your time beneath them.

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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