Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Strong sun and above-average temperatures will continue into the weekend. Limit exposure to overhead hazards such as cliffs, glide cracks, and cornices, especially on sun-exposed terrain. Expect challenging travel conditions due to a combination of soft, wet snow and frozen crusts.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Warm temperatures mean snow will continue to shed from cliffs, glide cracks will keep opening until they release, and sagging cornices may fail. The risk from these hazards won’t go away until temperatures cool or the snow melts. The risk of one of these avalanches is highest during the heat of the day, but there is still a slight chance of one releasing at any time, on any aspect.

    These are low-likelihood events that tend to occur in very specific types of terrain, but you definitely don’t want to be in the path of one releasing above you. Give plenty of space to cliffs, glide cracks, and any area where the snow looks poorly attached to the mountain.

    (1/14/2026)

    Numerous glide cracks and a fresh glide avalanche on the east face of Herman in the West North forecast zone. 

    Photo: Irene Henninger

  • Loose Wet

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

    Snowpack observations indicate we are unlikely to see additional wet loose avalanches in the coming days. The main exception could be steep southerly slopes, especially at upper elevations. If one were to occur, it would most likely be in steep, rocky terrain or from cliffs shedding snow.

    Keep an eye on what’s above you as the sun makes a warm day even warmer. Avoid travel on or directly below steep slopes where you see active signs of wet avalanche instability, such as rollerballs, shedding snow, or small avalanches. If the snow surface is topped by a frozen crust, wet loose avalanches are unlikely.

    (12/31/2025)

    Steep, south-facing alpine terrain is where wet loose avalanches are still possible. 

    Photo: Irene Henninger

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures are well above freezing and the sun will shine through the weekend, but widespread wet avalanche activity is not expected.So far, observations suggest the upper snowpack was heavily impacted by rain and has undergone significant settlement, limiting the potential for additional melting and increased reactivity. This may not hold true in alpine terrain that received more snow and less rain during the last storm. Instability could also increase if the snowpack becomes wet and sloppy again under continued sun and above-freezing temperatures.

Observers in the West North reported widespread avalanche debris and glide cracks, but no new avalanche activity. Travel has been difficult due to a combination of deep rain rills (runnels), crust, avalanche debris, and moist, unsupportable snow. One observer described the snow surface as “industrial.” Similar conditions were reported from Snoqualmie Pass as well.

Heavy rain from the last atmospheric river significantly altered the snowpack. White Chuck  recorded a roughly 20% decrease in snow depth from a peak of 85 inches on January 8, with total settlement ranging from 15 to 25% across the forecast zone. In neighboring zones, the upper snowpack consists of moist rounds and melt forms down to the Jan 3rd crust, with no concerning layers identified. This crust is generally found 2 to 3 feet deep at mid elevations. 

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