Avalanche forecast

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Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind slabs may linger at upper elevations closer to the Cascade crest.  With high freezing levels forecast all week, limit your time below slopes with large overhanging cornices and glide cracks.  Small wet loose avalanches are again possible on steep southerly slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    While moderate W-NW ridgeline winds continued over the weekend, the amount of recent snow available to transport has decreased and we should be dealing with an older wind slab problem that will be harder to trigger.  Continue to use caution around pockets of recently drifted snow. If you see signs of cracking, steer around convexities and slopes steeper than 35 degrees. You can avoid triggering these avalanches by sticking to lower-angled slopes, lower elevation terrain, or ridges and wind-scoured areas. You're more likely to encounter wind slabs at upper elevations near and west of Washington Pass where more snow has accumulated recently. 

    (12/29/2021)

    Example of a small wind slab from December on Delancey Ridge.

    Photo: Will Govus

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    You're most likely to encounter small wet loose avalanches on steep southerly slopes above 6,000ft.  Use extra caution on sunny slopes 40 degrees and steeper containing terrain traps like rocks, trees, and gullies. Even a small slide in this terrain could be enough to injure you.  Rollerballs, recent avalanches, or moist snow that slides easily are all signs to avoid similar slopes and move to lower angle terrain. 

    Observers have reported cracking cornices and open glide cracks.  Avoid lingering below these overhead hazards while this milder stretch of weather continues. 

    (1/21/2022)

    Loose wet avalanches (likely from Jan 20th) on steep sun-exposed slopes near the top of Washington Pass.

    Photo: Drew Lovell

Avalanche Discussion

Around 6" of snow accumulated on Thursday near and west of Washington Pass with lower amounts further east.  Since then moderate W-NW ridgeline winds have moved the recent snow at upper elevations. Surface crusts of varying thickness can be found at all elevations along with wind drifted snow above treeline.  Steep temperature inversions can be found throughout the zone with the warmest temperatures generally found above 6000'.   In the lower valleys, low clouds/fog/colder temperatures will likely stick around this week until a stronger weather system comes along to stir the soup. 

It's been a relatively quiet weekend avalanche-wise with only small wet loose avalanches observed.  On Friday, observers noted a number of natural and triggered wind slab avalanches. These avalanches ranged from small to large and were generally found above treeline on leeward slopes near and west of Washington Pass.  

Regions covered