Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Unstable slabs of wind drifted snow may be found above treeline. You will be entering areas of greater avalanche danger where you observe enough new snow to smooth over old, rain affected snow surfaces. Watch out for cornices or other unstable snow features in steep or rocky terrain above you.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What fell as rain in most places was likely snow at the highest elevations. Deeper new snow may also be found as you travel to the eastern fringes of West North where temperatures are generally colder. Identify and avoid steep slopes with signs of recent wind loading if you make it to this select terrain on Friday. Monitor new snow depth and the extent of wind transport as you ascend. Use visual cues like scoured snow surfaces and cornices to figure out where new unstable winds slabs may lurk. 

    (12/29/2021)

    Wind eroded snow surface on Shuksan Arm.

    Photo: Lee Lazzara

Avalanche Discussion

Heavy rain - over 2" at Heather Meadows - ended in the West North by midday Thursday with freezing levels expected to drop to nearly 2000’ overnight. No new avalanche activity was reported. 

Increasing sun in the afternoon will raise the possibility of loose wet avalanches on southerly slopes, especially above treeline where drier, newly fallen snow will be more susceptible to warming. Move to lower angle terrain if you witness signs of instability like rollerballs, a rapidly warming snow surface, or current avalanche activity. 

Another round of rain at lower elevations continues to weaken cornices and other overhead hazards clinging onto very steep and/or rocky terrain. Be aware of and minimize time spent below unstable features you identify in the terrain above.

In addition to limited avalanche hazards, expect challenging travel conditions on frozen, uneven surfaces. Steep tree covered terrain has been noted as particularly difficult to navigate. If you haven’t made it to the mountains since the rain and warm temperature regime took over 10 days ago, be prepared to see a very different environment. Exposed rock, glide cracks, open creeks and a very rough snow surface are everywhere and present new features to steer around.

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