Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Keep glide avalanches on your radar for one more day.  Snow conditions will be variable and icy after the rain and cooling.  A few inches of new snow fell at higher elevations, not enough to increase the avalanche hazard but keep an eye out for small avalanches along steep ridgelines.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Glide avalanches can occur for a day or two after a rain event.  They happen when water drains through the snowpack and lubricates  the ground in areas covered by bedrock or grass.  They are very difficult to predict, but cracks, which usually form first, are a good indicator. Watch for deep cracks in the snow in steep areas, usually with ground visible at the bottom. Stay off slopes where you see these cracks, or any slopes with similar characteristics or are large and unsupported nearby.  These cracks might be hidden by a few inches of snow, but that does not mean that the snowpack is not wet underneath.

    Glide avalanches seen after warm temperatures and rain earlier this year.

Avalanche Discussion

The West North zone picked up over 3 inches of water since Monday night. Aside from a few inches of snow at upper elevations, this  was predominantly a rain event.    Water will continue to move through the snowpack for another day, which means we aren’t quite out of the woods with the unpredictable glide avalanche problem yet.

There is a small chance that isolated pockets of new snow may slide on the underlying wet snow or crust layer at upper elevations. These avalanches may not be big enough to bury you, but could pose an increased risk near cliffs or other dangerous terrain features.  

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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