Avalanche forecast

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

It is very likely that you will trigger large avalanches as a storm deposits several feet of snow in the mountains over the weekend. Expect challenging travel on Saturday as the blizzard rages on, where your best bet is to stick to slopes under 30 degrees until the snowpack settles down.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Strong winds will actively redistribute snow into thick, reactive drifts at mid to upper elevations. Expect to find deep and touchy deposits of snow near rock outcroppings, along gullies, and on leeward slopes. Search for smooth or textured pillows, feel for firm, hollow snow, and identify areas that wind is depositing snow. Steer clear of spots where you find those conditions on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Due to the uncertainty and amount of snow and wind in this storm, consider steering around terrain beneath large avalanche paths as well, as natural avalanches are possible. If you find windward slopes stripped of low-density snow, stick to those or stay in areas of lower angle terrain.

    (12/8/2021)

    Use visual clues to help you determine where Wind Slabs may be lurking near ridgelines.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

  • Storm Slabs

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

    This storm is not insignificant, and even in non-wind affected areas, you could find reactive slabs that are well over a foot thick. Variations in temperature as the snow falls may have an impact on forming reactive layers in the new snow. At this time it is unknown whether this will play a large role in avalanche activity. As it’s still actively storming during the day Saturday, make sure to investigate instabilities with hand shears or quick pits before thinking about getting on a steeper slope. Find small test slopes to jump on as well.  Otherwise, stick to slopes less than 30 degrees as we ride the brunt of the storm out.

    An example of a widely propagating storm slab. Photo: AJ

Avalanche Discussion

If you’re caught in an avalanche this weekend, it could be a very rough ride, with a lot of exposed rocks and trees in this early season snowpack. As you travel, stay mindful of your surroundings with exposed creeks and other early-season hazards. Our snowpack has slowly built up (and shrunk) over the last month, but especially at lower elevations, it has not yet felt like winter. This weekend marks a major shift into full-on winter for us. There is a lot of uncertainty about the snowpack and this storm as it bombards us so be sure to add a margin of safety into your travels, as conditions will most likely be spicy. 

Expect to find plenty of backcountry users out reveling in our newfound wintery conditions this weekend. Don’t forget to treat any neighboring parties with respect in the backcountry. If you’re in the Mt Baker Ski Area vicinity, remain alert as they’ll be busy managing the new snow in anticipation of opening this week. 

"Uphill travel reminder: Check in with your local ski area this weekend regarding terrain access and parking updates. Closed ski areas often share a similar snowpack and avalanche hazard as the surrounding backcountry. You may also encounter other hazards like active avalanche mitigation, unmarked obstacles, snowmobiles, groomers, and other heavy equipment as ski areas prepare to open. Be prepared to make your own assessments and handle emergency situations."

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