West Slopes North

Expect firm, variable surfaces and colder temperatures. Limit time beneath steep, rocky slopes where blocks of snow or glide cracks hang overhead. Use extra caution in places that have seen recent glide avalanche activity, like Table Mt and Herman in the Baker Backcountry.

The likelihood of fresh wet avalanche activity continues to drop as temperatures fall and cloud cover increases. That said, isolated pockets of unstable snow remain—most notably glide slabs, where the entire snowpack is slipping on the ground, and also blocks of snow clinging to cliffs and rocky terrain. Glide avalanches can also still release during colder periods following a prolonged warm stretch. Identify these overhead hazards and limit your exposure to them regardless of temperature or sun. Be on the lookout for glide cracks, sections of lumpy, wrinkled-looking snow below cliffs, and anything else that looks sketchy and poorly attached to the mountain.

Most parts of the forecast zone have seen little avalanche activity over the past week, with only isolated wet loose and glide avalanches reported, while other areas saw sporadic activity persist until a few days ago. The bigger risk to backcountry travel is likely surface conditions. Slick crusts, bumpy runnels, and other nastiness will stick around until we get more snow. Low danger does not mean no danger. General mountain hazards—snow shedding from cliffs, rockfall, cornice fall, and slide-for-life surfaces—should never be written off.

Those who are still getting out have reported southerly slopes are still softening up by midday, and decent riding conditions can be found where the surface is smoother. Good weather has enabled travel to bigger terrain in the North Cascades.