Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wednesday is yet another sunny day. You can expect to get midday softening on steep, sunny slopes and there's the odd chance small amounts of wet snow could roll down. Cold, dry snow exists on northerly slopes, and south-facing aspects will have varying amounts of crusts before softening around midday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Several days of intense sunshine (intense for December, that is) is continuing on Wednesday. With several days of melt-freeze under out belts most activity has likely subsided. There's still a very slim likelihood that small, wet avalanches may run in isolated pockets, such as thin snow patches perched on rocks, or maybe as glide avalanches in the usual areas such as the flanks of Mt Herman in the Baker backcountry. 

    More easterly slopes will soften first before south midday and then more westerly in the afternoon. If you're traveling in any of these areas during the given times, pay attention to your surroundings, noting how far you're sinking into the snow or if any rollerballs are running on steep slopes. If you're sinking past your ankles or noting any snow sliding, transition to another aspect or lower angle terrain. 

     

    (11/26/2024)

    Any remaining thin patches of snow over rocks have the highest chances of sliding, if they haven't yet. 

Avalanche Discussion

Wind backed off in the last 24 hours and any old wind slabs have likely stabilized. Remain vigilant about any existing slabs if you enter any high consequence terrain, because even a small avalanche could cause harm if it takes you for a ride.

We're approaching the shortest day of the year, and the sun is at a low angle. It hasn't done nearly as much damage to south-facing terrain as it would during similar conditions in April, where days are much longer and much more avalanche activity would result. One observer noted that they were surprised how cold and unaffected by the sun the snow was when they weren't on steep southerlies.

You're going to find crusty surfaces on south-facing terrain. At the interface between sunny and shady aspects you can expect to find a breakable crust, which will likely be some of the more challenging snow surfaces you'll find right now. You'll find powder or firmer, wind-affected surfaces on shady aspects. Snow surfaces are weakening in those areas with this period of high pressure. Lower elevations are also crusty and then soften during the day. As it's early season, beware the usual low tide hazards at low elevations like trees, open creeks and rocks. 

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