Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago.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

Although avalanche danger is Low in most areas, large, spooky glide cracks are still looming overhead. It’s not yet the time to stop for a break beneath a gaping glide crack, an isolated patch of snow perched on rock, or wrinkled snow on a steep face. Keep scanning overhead for these features, and move efficiently beneath them. Snow surfaces are firm and bumpy, aside from a small chance of midday softening on steep, south slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Large, gaping glide cracks still exist in isolated areas- many of which are in the Baker backcountry. We aren't quite sure exactly when natural glide avalanche activity will stop. The last reported glide avalanche was on Saturday. Given the large natural avalanches that came plummeting down, this isn't a problem we're taking lightly.  As of forecast time, we have not received reports of new glide avalanches. With temperatures cooling over the next few days, we're thinking timing is getting close for putting this problem to rest- although not quite yet. 

    Identify glide cracks and other overhead hazards—such as blocks of snow clinging to steep rock faces or wrinkled snow on steep slopes—before you are beneath them. Give these features a wide berth, avoid the area entirely, or move quickly through if passage is unavoidable. Do not stop, regroup, or linger below unstable-looking snow.

    (1/17/2026)

    Large debris piles covering the common skintrack that crosses the south side of Table Mountain. This large, natural glide avalanche was witnessed midday Friday-scary! This is a low likelihood, high consequence scenario. If you were traveling underneath this when the avalanche happened, it would probably kill you. 

Avalanche Discussion

Many areas can be treated as Low danger if you’re not seeing signs outlined in the Glide Avalanche problem. Continue to stay aware of your surroundings, carry rescue gear, and use safe travel practices. 

We can say with confidence that most snow surfaces are firm and bumpy. This means travel may be tricky or unpleasant if you're sliding on boards or sledding, but conditions are well-suited for travel at walking speed. Consider bringing ice axes and crampons if you plan to travel in steep terrain.

Midday, steep south-facing slopes may soften a little. There will probably be a few clouds on Wednesday. Temperatures may be a degree or two colder. In general, conditions will remain very similar to previous days. There will be a significant drop in freezing levels in the next few days, which means surfaces will stay harder, we'll probably feel more comfortable with travel beneath large glide cracks,  and any softening on south-facing slopes may just be wishful thinking.  

Regions covered