Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You can trigger an avalanche large enough to bury or kill you.  Human triggered avalanches in neighboring areas have been reported and we are still getting more snow.  Stay away from slopes steeper than 35 degrees while the snowpack creaks under the added weight. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    We are continuing to test the snowpack with a lot of new snow and are experiencing dangerous avalanche conditions. Avalanches in the Mt Baker area failed from 16 inches to 3 feet deep, all the way down to the 12/9 crust. Increasing temperatures and wind on Friday could create a new layer of upside down snow on the surface and you may see failures underneath that new layer. Stay off slopes steeper than 35 degrees while avalanches and snowfall continue.  

    The avalanche problem is tricky as you might see a storm slab in some areas, a wind slab in others, or you might find a persistent slab problem above the 12/9 crust.  Regardless of which type of avalanche problem this is, it stems from the massive amount of snow we’ve received in a short period of time and with all of these problems human triggered avalanches are likely. 

    An avalanche triggered by a snowboarder on Wednesday.

Avalanche Discussion

Recent avalanches are bullseye clues that we should stick to lower angle terrain while the snowpack adjusts to the added weight. This is one of the largest storm cycles we’ve seen this year, and slopes may just need that little bit more snow, or a human trigger to tip the scale and avalanche. 

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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