Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

By Thursday morning, you may be able to trigger small avalanches at middle and upper elevations both on sunny slopes and where the wind drifts snow. Use caution on steep slopes with new snow, especially just below ridges. You can expect 4-8" of recent snow, westerly wind, and gradually clearing skies.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Watch for pillowed features and recently drifted snow to indicate wind-loaded slopes. If you find drifts of 4" or more over a crust, use caution on slopes over 35 degrees. Steer around deeper drifts and steep, convex roll-overs. Use caution where avalanches could push you into rocks, trees, or other terrain traps.

    On Wednesday, snow fell on a refreezing crust. Check the bond between the new and old snow. Note how it changes as you gain elevation or move into wind-loaded terrain. 

    (2/27/2026)

    An example of wind transported snow in the Whitepine Creek drainage. North Chiwaukum Mtn, 7,000ft

    Photo: Josh Hirshberg

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    As the snow surface warms, watch for moist snow, rollerballs, and natural wet avalanches to indicate increasing danger. If you see these signs, stay out from under steep, overhead terrain. Give yourself options to move to lower-angle or shadier slopes. Use caution where avalanches could push you into rocks, trees, and other terrain traps. The day will begin with cloudy skies, but should clear, at least partially, by afternoon.

    (3/3/2026)

    An example of a natural wet loose avalanche in the Stevens Pass backcountry. N, 4500ft. 

    Photo: Stevens Pass Ski Patrol

Avalanche Discussion

By Wednesday evening, Stevens Pass picked up 2-4". North of the zone, near Mt Baker, snow totals were near 1 foot. Another 3-6" of new snow is forecast for the Mountain Loop area by Thursday morning. There's some uncertainty with overnight snow totals, as it will depend on the amount of convergence setting up over the zone. Westerly winds will be strong overnight, but will taper during the day. 

We are uncertain about the bond between the new snow and the most recent crust (3/24). On Tuesday, over 2" of rain broke down a previously stout crust, which then partially refroze by Wednesday morning. As you move through the mountains, you can use quick hand pits and test slopes to see how well the snow is bonded. If you travel to upper elevations, you may find significantly more new snow.

On Monday, NWAC Forecasters along the west slope of the Cascades found Low danger and thick crusts. On the 16-20th, several inches of rain brought a couple of rounds of wet avalanches, including very large wet slabs. You may still see some debris from the cycle of large avalanches later that week. Snow cover is thin on most slopes. Be aware of exposed rocks, open creeks, and deep holes. These could be dangerous travel hazards if you fall into them.

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