Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

On Monday, an atmospheric river will deliver rain high into the alpine. This could result in another round of wet avalanches, particularly on the volcanoes. It may be best if you stay out of the mountains during this rain storm and hope for snowier days later this week.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The return of rain increases the chance of wet avalanches. Slides could be larger and more destructive on the volcanoes where more snow is present. The rain will need to break down a stout surface crust before avalanche activity can occur. Even if that happens, the snowpack should be well-suited to handle the additional water, but some slopes that didn't reach their tipping point last week could, in theory, with this added liquid push. 

    In isolated locations, avalanches could gouge down to or even fail at the ground. Blocks of ice high on the volcanoes could collapse, starting massive slides that run through valleys for several thousand feet. 

    (12/13/2025)

    A small fresh wet loose on a steep slope on Mount Adams. There are ski tracks to the left of it, so it's hard to say if it's skier-triggered or natural. Either way, it occurred this weekend after the rain had stopped. Similar slides could occur as rain returns on Monday.

    Photo: Joe Dellaporta

Avalanche Discussion

A relatively calm weekend will give way to a stormy start to the workweek. An atmospheric river will deliver rain up to 9000 feet or so around the zone. Not only will it rain, but the wind will be strong to extreme during this event, adding a secondary layer of hazard. Travel conditions in the mountains will remain an issue, with swollen creeks, holes, rocks, and firm surfaces that could result in a long, uncontrolled slide.

Much of the region is still reeling from last week's storms, and seeing another wet and windy one on our doorstep isn't welcome news for many. Expect travel to and from the mountains to increase in hazard yet again, as flooding, mudslides, and downed trees take center stage in our communities. Upon reaching the hills, you'll then need to make it above 6000-6500 feet in elevation before you encounter snow coverage adequate for avalanche hazard. 

We have confirmation of several very large slides (D3+) on Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and our southern neighbor, Mount Hood, following last week's high-elevation rain. Most originated above our forecast zones. While not expected, we also wouldn't be surprised if one of these occurred on Monday as we add water to high-elevation slopes. Keep clear of canyons, even lower down in the terrain. In fact, with another rainy day in store, poor overall conditions, and overlapping travel hazards, it may be best to wait this one out. Snowier days are expected later this week. 

With the warm start to the 25-26 winter season, we have less snowpack information than usual to start daily forecast operations. For zones and elevation bands with less snow than needed for avalanche hazard, we will issue a forecast with No Rating. Anticipated avalanche and weather conditions will still be updated daily. NWAC will issue an avalanche danger rating for a zone when enough snow to produce avalanches has accumulated at middle and upper elevations.

Regions covered