Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

In general, avalanches are unlikely. With a couple of inches of recent snow overlying a variety of older surfaces, you could see some roller balls on steep sunny slopes or very shallow recent drifts of snow at upper elevations. The chance of triggering avalanches on deeper weak layers has decreased, but the weak snow structure remains.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Avalanches are currently difficult to trigger, yet the weak structure remains. Limit your exposure to complex terrain with large, overhead cornices. A sudden, heavy load, like a cornice fall, could be enough to trigger an avalanche on deeply buried weak layers.

    On March 3rd, a very large, deep avalanche was remotely triggered on a NE aspect near Harts Pass. Since the storm of February 26 through March 1st, snowpack tests show that the weak snowpack structure remains unchanged. You can find the late January weak layer (facets sandwiched between two crusts) 3-5' below the surface. If triggered, it would produce a very large avalanche. Snowpack tests can help you identify the layer of concern. Sudden or propagating results have remained consistent during periods when avalanches have become difficult to trigger. East of Washington Pass, the snowpack is likely much more shallow, and this interface may be nearer to the snow surface.

    (3/3/2022)

    A very large (D2.5) and widely propagating slab avalanche was triggered by a snowmobile on March 3rd. The crown is estimated at roughly 5ft deep. 6600-6800ft, NE, near Harts Pass

    Photo: Drew Lovell

Avalanche Discussion

Any recent snow accumulation shouldn't be enough to pose a risk of avalanches. You could see roller balls on steep sunny slopes or possibly some very thin drifted slabs above treeline. About 2-3" of snow accumulated on Tuesday. Temperatures will remain cool on Wednesday and should keep the sun from warming the snow significantly.

Travel conditions may be challenging, especially at lower elevations. You'll find plenty of firm avalanche debris from storm and associated avalanche cycle on 2/27-3/1. The rain formed a crust up to 5,500- 6,500ft depending on location.  A widespread avalanche cycle occurred over this period with observers reporting many large and some very large avalanches. 

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