Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger wind slab avalanches near ridgelines on upper elevation terrain.  Deeper and heavier deposits of recent snow indicate these slabs, and avoid them on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Stay on your toes as you can encounter variable conditions such as runnels and icy patches, as well as downed branches and trees at lower elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Below ridgelines, in gullies, and around outcroppings you may find lingering wind slabs. They are gaining strength, but the potential for large avalanches remains in isolated alpine areas.  Wind-textured snow surfaces or smooth pillow-like deposits help you identify wind-loaded features. Travel around slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find this wind loading.

    Thicker heavier deposits of snow that crack like this could avalanche on steep slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Keep glide avalanches on your radar as the snowpack continues to drain after 10 inches of water fell in the North Cascades Jan 10-13. They are unlikely, but any large steep slopes with smooth ground (bed surface) could still be suspect. Stay away from slopes where you see glide cracks, as they are good indicators of a subsequent glide avalanche. 

Observers reported an abundance of old wet and dry snow avalanches from the atmospheric river in the last 2 days of fair weather, which you can view in the media gallery. Much of the precipitation from the Jan 10-13 event fell as rain to about 6000ft.  We now have a generally strong snowpack sitting beneath the crust formed at the surface of the rain-saturated snow. 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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