Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

With poor visibility and travel conditions expected Tuesday, be intentional about where you travel and consider the overhead hazard.  Dangerous glide avalanches may release from steep rock faces at any time.  As rain reaches high elevations, other types of wet snow avalanches may release on shady aspects that still harbor drier snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    Glide cracks opened and were visible earlier this week during our nearly week long stretch of above freezing temperatures.  Glide avalanches are hard to predict and don't present obvious warning signs. Don't rely on making visual clues in the poor weather.  Until conditions cool, it's best to give yourself a healthy buffer and avoid traveling in terrain with significant overhead exposure to steep rock faces.   

    (12/2/2020) Glide cracks above the uptrack on the boulder field on the south side of Mount Herman near 5000ft.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rainfall on shady aspects at higher elevations may produce larger loose wet or even wet slab avalanches Tuesday.   Other aspects and elevations have been pretty beaten up by the mild temperatures,  sun and wind over the last week.  While most loose wet avalanches will be small,  plan your route away from slopes capable of producing larger avalanches.   With early season hazards starting to poke out again,  bear in mind the consequences of even a small avalanche in the wrong piece of terrain. 

    Example of loose wet avalanches triggered by sunshine gaining steam in larger open slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche activity has been muted the last few days as we transition from clear and mild to wet and mild conditions.  The snowpack is fairly strong and uniform in the zone with several identifiable crusts and no layers of concern. While this season started with a bang and we still have a healthy snowpack for early December above 4000',  a week of warmth and now rain has taken its toll on the snowpack.  Backcountry travelers have noticed how early season hazards have returned over the past week.  Many lakes and creeks are still open, and plenty of hidden obstacles lurk just below the snow surface.  It's a long season,  so take care to avoid an early-season injury while we wait for winter to return.  

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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