Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As you climb higher, avalanche danger increases. You're most likely to trigger and get caught in an avalanche in wind-drifted snow. Feel for heavier snow beneath you, and identify textured or pillowlike snow surfaces - key indicators to help you avoid stepping onto steep slopes that could avalanche. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2

    Steer around steep, unsupported slopes that have been heavily loaded by wind, and pay close attention to recent avalanche activity and signs of instability such as long shooting cracks. Choose sheltered terrain, or avoid steep terrain altogether if you are uncertain about conditions.

    Strong and variable winds built heavy slabs in the last 24-48 hours. They are most prominent on the leeward side of ridges, in gullies, and around terrain features such as cliffs, trees, and rollovers. They can be identified with textured surfaces or "pillowlike" appearances. Wind drifted snow also feels heavier.

    Several storm layers exist in the top foot or so of the snow, and although less reactive, there's a chance snow could slide on one of those storm interfaces even in non-wind drifted areas. 

    (12/18/2025)

    Approaching a wind lip on a small feature resulted in extensive cracking in the Baker backcountry on Thursday. If this happens, it's a strong indicator to stay off wind-loaded slopes. 

    Photo: Irene Henninger

Avalanche Discussion

I had the opportunity to join Mt. Baker Ski Area staff, who were busy preparing for their anticipated opening, on a trip up the mountain to check conditions at Heather Meadows on Thursday. This was a chance to verify our forecasts with on-the-ground observations, something we’ve been short on for a while. 

I found several storm layers sitting on top of a mid-December crust, just over a foot deep. The layers became progressively harder, with the bottom layer being moist and well-bonded to the crust. Failures occurred with compression tests and hand shears midway through the storm layer everywhere I traveled. Below the crust, the snow is made up of moist, large-grain melt forms extending all the way to the ground. My main concern for avalanche potential was the snow above the crust.

The last time we had a significant break in precipitation was December 13. Since then, we've had 5- 10" of water at various weather stations throughout the zone. At upper elevations, where information is extremely limited, new snow depths is probably many feet. Forecasts for the next few days call for continued light precipitation and cooler temperatures. Hwy 542 remains closed to the public in the town of Glacier, and the ski area is anticipating opening when the highway is deemed ready. Check the Mt Baker Ski Area website for any additional details. Several other road closures exist too. 

The weather over the past few weeks has been extraordinary, with torrential rains, extreme winds, flooding, and landslides. Many communities are dealing with damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, stretching resources thin. These events have limited access to the mountains for all of us. State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the worst of these impacts. We can help by being respectful of local communities, obeying road closures, and heeding ski area uphill travel policies.

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