Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New storm snow layers were unexpectedly touchy in the Hwy 2 corridor on Monday, with avalanches failing 10 inches deep at mid-elevations with a human trigger. Avoid steep slopes on Tuesday, especially in wind-drifted areas and at higher elevations where avalanches could be larger and more reactive. If the sun pops out you can expect wet avalanches on steep slopes facing the sun. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Avalanche danger was higher than we thought it was on Monday, and human-triggered avalanches were likely. Triggering an avalanche may still be likely on Tuesday. Avalanches are mainly failing in newer storm layers, less than a foot deep, but it's not out of the question that a slide could fail on a deeper layer, given the 2+ feet of recent storm snow we've received over the last few days. Avalanches could also be larger and more reactive on wind-loaded slopes. 

    Avoid steep slopes on Tuesday, especially if they are large and unsupported. Stop and reevaluate if you're about to enter a slope with terrain traps as well, because even a small avalanche could send you over a cliff or bury you deep in a gully. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    This spring weather is fickle. We have the best chances of seeing the sun on Tuesday, which means wet loose avalanches may happen. If the sun shines, you can expect to see wet loose avalanches on steep slopes facing the sun, especially if the snow is light and fluffy- which is most surfaces. If you see rollerballs or avalanches, steer clear of those slopes, including the terrain beneath them, where an avalanche could run or stop. 

    (2/21/2024)

    Example photo: wet loose avalanches like one that you may see on Tuesday. They usually first begin to happen in  steep, rocky terrain.

    Photo: Zack McGill - Cascade Mountain Ascents

Avalanche Discussion

There's a lot of uncertainty in our snowpack right now, given the many newer layers of snow. This is a time to stay conservative in the backcountry.  We've received 2 - 3 feet of snow in the last few days, and small storms are continuing to deposit more layers. 

If you make it into the backcountry, please share with us what you find by submitting an obervation HERE, or on the Avy App. 

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