Avalanche forecast

West Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Heavy rain-on-snow is set to impact the entirety of the southern Cascades through Wednesday. Your chance of triggering a wet avalanche will increase as the snow takes on water. Be prepared for shifting snow conditions, and watch for warnings signs such as roller balls, failing test slopes, or natural avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Multiple inches of rain will quickly saturate any recently deposited snowfall, resulting in widespread surface snow instability in all forms of wet avalanches including loose, slab, and even glide. The greatest hazard will be at upper elevations, where the most recent snow exists. Make no mistake, fresh snowfall followed by heavy rain is a dangerous combination. If triggered, these avalanches could fail large enough to bury you. The rain line is expected to rise well above the upper elevation band, so don't expect to climb out of it. Check how the snow feels underfoot—if it’s becoming heavy, and mushy, think about shifting to lower-angle terrain.

    (12/6/2025)

    Two, small wet loose avalanches in Boundary Basin. Though small, they could carry you through consequential terrain.

    (Boundary Basin, 6200ft, NW aspect. WL-N-D1.5/R1.)

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

After a short 12-hour window of calm weather on Tuesday, a fire hose of moisture has returned. Even yet, it's returned wetter, warmer, and windier as compared to Monday. Unfortunately, the rain line is expected to climb well above the upper elevations. Snowpack loss is likely, especially at mid and lower elevations. Conditions on Wednesday will be very wet and sloppy across the mountains—Thus, you won’t be missing much by staying indoors.

There still isn't enough snow to create an avalanche hazard at lower elevations, but early season hazards remain. If you're traveling in these areas, keep your eye out for rocks, stumps, and logs — hitting one of them can certainly end your season.

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