Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

You can expect both wet and dry avalanche problems depending on elevation. Wet avalanche danger will likely peak overnight but linger into Monday. Wait out stormy conditions in sheltered terrain with limited exposure to overhead hazards like cornices, glide cracks, or big, steep slopes full of wet snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–2.5

    The storm will cool the highest terrain, but mid-elevation slopes will stay warm and wet after three days of above-freezing temperatures. Heavy overnight rainfall will add even more liquid water to the snowpack. Glide cracks and other unstable snow features on cliffs or unsupported slopes could turn into large slab avalanches. Cornices continue to weaken and remain a concern. Stay out from beneath glide cracks, snowy cliff faces, and corniced ridgelines.

    Rain and warmth could also trigger wet loose avalanches on steep terrain. Steer clear of slopes where you see rollerballs, recent wet avalanches, or find mushy, unsupportable snow.

    (3/22/2023)

    The sun won't be out on Monday, but that doesn't mean you won't see recent glide avalanches like this frequent flier. South side of Herman last spring.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Heavy snow and wind Sunday night into Monday will build fresh slabs at upper elevations. Warmer temperatures and less snow at middle elevations should limit danger. If snow levels drop lower than forecast, expect more snow and greater danger extending into this terrain band as well. Stormy weather and poor visibility may make it tough to assess stability.

    You’re most likely to trigger a slab in wind-loaded terrain, but any steep slope with more than 6–8" of new snow should be considered suspect. Use hand shears or test slopes to find strong-over-weak layering and assess reactivity. When in doubt, stick to sheltered, lower-angle slopes.

    (12/2/2023)

    Most won't make it to upper elevations, but if you do, shooting cracks like this one are signs you've found an unstable slab. And you are more likely to trigger an avalanche on a steep slope.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Wet loose avalanches and cornice falls were reported from the Baker Backcountry, Glacier Creek, and other parts of West North over the weekend. Temperatures will begin to cool, but that won’t resolve wet avalanche issues overnight. Cornices continue to sag, and glide slabs are still creeping downhill. While these release intermittently, the danger is real, especially in complex terrain where it’s harder to give yourself space from overhead hazards. 

While the upper snowpack has already seen considerable warming and water, it’s unclear how it will respond to another round of rain before snow levels drop. Will an additional inch of water spark a widespread avalanche cycle, or has the snowpack already adjusted to spring temperatures and rain?

New and wind-drifted snow at upper elevations will drive the avalanche danger rating, but most people are more likely to deal with wet snow problems at mid elevations. The best advice? Stick to sheltered terrain with minimal overhead exposure while the storm plays out and temperatures cool off.

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