Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

You are most likely to encounter an avalanche on south aspects that become unstable with direct sun and rising temperatures. Move off steep slopes when the snow surface becomes wet and saturated and lookout for avalanches that could come from steep terrain above. Small slabs in wind loaded, alpine terrain could still have serious consequences on very steep slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Friday will bring the highest temperatures of the week plus full sun to most areas. Northeast winds the past few days have added additional snow to some south-facing start zones. These slopes have already reacted to warming with loose wet avalanches reported Thursday in the Baker Backcountry. Similar activity is expected with higher temperatures in the forecast. Assess danger through the day based on changing conditions. Have a strategy in place to avoid being below potentially hazardous terrain during peak warming. Move off and away from steep slopes where you are sinking past your ankles in wet snow or where you witness signs of instability like rollerballs or current avalanche activity. If you find a thick crust topping snow surfaces, then loose wet avalanches are unlikely. 

    (2/24/2022)

    Natural loose wet avalanches on Mt. Herman. South aspect at 5400' occurring mid-afternoon.

    Photo: John Minier - Baker Mountain Guides

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Significant snow transport from northeast winds has ceased above treeline but lingering wind slabs remain. Though mostly small, they still pose a risk to backcountry travelers in steep, exposed terrain. They could also become easier to trigger during periods of warming, especially on south aspects that will experience full sun on Friday. Monitor the pattern and extent of wind transport as you ascend. Use visual clues like scoured snow surfaces and cornices to figure out where unstable winds slabs could be hiding. Identify and avoid steep features like convex rolls and other unsupported terrain with signs of recent wind loading. 

    (2/24/2022)

    Cracking around a small but reactive wind slab. South aspect of Shuksan Arm at 5400'.

    Photo: Adam Ü

Avalanche Discussion

Other than Wednesday night’s brief shot of snow, clear skies and cold temperatures have been the main story since last weekend's storm. Most areas in West North enjoyed a few days of calm, bluebird powder before northeast winds redistributed snow to less commonly loaded south and west aspects. This reverse loading pattern resulted in scattered but still touchy wind slabs near and above treeline. Continued periods of wind sustained danger from small wind slabs through the week but reported avalanches and other signs of instability were limited. This could be due to either a more sporadic wind loading pattern or simply the fact currently wind loaded south and west aspects more commonly hold poor snow conditions and are less favored by backcountry travelers. Either way, good conditions prevailed and were easy enough to find away from the most wind exposed terrain.

 

 

 

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