Bollettino valanghe

West Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Wed
Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 6 months ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

Precipitation rates will increase through the day, and avalanche danger will rise with them. New wind-drifted snow at higher elevations may become reactive this afternoon, so avoid steep slopes with six inches or more of freshly drifted snow. While conditions vary across the zone, a low-probability but high-consequence chance of large avalanches remains—consider steering away from steep upper-elevation terrain near ridgelines and large start zones, especially north of 542.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    As new snow accumulates through the day, the likelihood of triggering avalanches in freshly wind-drifted snow will increase. Snowlines will gradually fall, but this problem will mainly affect upper elevations, possibly expanding into mid elevations later.

    Look for smooth, rounded drifts or firm, textured snow on the leeward sides of ridges, in gullies, and around terrain features. Avoid steep slopes where these deposits are present, especially if you notice cracking or recent small avalanches. Even small slides could have serious consequences in steep or confined terrain—and on large, smooth slopes, they may step down into a deeper, more dangerous avalanche.

    Example photo: It's likely for you to trigger small avalanches on newly drifted deposits of snow, like in this photo. Photo: Adam Ü

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    2–3

    Our persistent slab problem varies widely across the zone. Some well-traveled areas have seen little to no avalanche activity, while others have produced natural, remote, and human-triggered avalanches. Many recent avalanches are failing near a thin mid-February crust buried under roughly two feet of snow in most areas and up to four feet in the Baker backcountry. Buried surface hoar has also been identified, with most larger avalanches occurring on northerly aspects.

    Classic warning signs like collapses, whumphing, and shooting cracks are strong indicators of instability, though deeper weak layers may produce few clues. Uncertainty increases in less-traveled terrain, so consider checking for weak snow above crusts before committing to large slopes. Choosing lower-angle, less wind-loaded terrain remains the simplest way to reduce risk.

    (3/1/2026)

    A large, rider-triggered avalanche in the Canyon Creek area that happened Sunday. This likely occurred on a persistent layer, seeing how far it propagated. The rider managed to accelerate out of the slide. We appreciate their sharing with us. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    Precipitation will begin with a relatively high snowline, bringing rain to most mid and lower elevations through the day. South-facing slopes have already been warm and wet, so additional avalanche activity there is unlikely. Shadier slopes, however, may be getting wet for the first time, where wet loose avalanches could occur.

    Many exposed areas of dry snow have firm, wind-affected surfaces that are less likely to produce wet avalanches. But in previously sheltered terrain still holding soft, low-density snow, rain may quickly create wet, sticky surface snow capable of sliding—starting as rollerballs and possibly small wet loose avalanches. If you see signs of wet activity, avoid similar steep slopes nearby.

    Example photo: Wet loose avalanches like this may run in any remaining low density snow, most likely on shady slopes, on Tuesday. Bagley Basin. N, 5000ft. 

    Photo: Zack McGill - Cascade Mtn Ascents

Avalanche Discussion

Forecasts call for about a half inch of water equivalent on Tuesday, mainly in the afternoon, falling mostly as snow at upper elevations. Temperatures will begin to cool, though surfaces will remain soft and wet rather than refreezing into a crust.

Over the weekend, travelers covered much of the zone—thank you to everyone who shared observations. Conditions varied widely by location. Near-low-danger conditions were reported around Schriebers on the south side of Mount Baker (observation), while observers near the Cascade River noted limited wet loose activity and a few recent slabs on south aspects triggered by small wet slides (observation). Widespread wind-hammered snow from last week’s strong west winds was also noted.

Recent persistent slab activity has been isolated but consequential. Aside from one large and one very large natural avalanche in the Baker backcountry (observation) (observation), most activity has occurred in wind-loaded terrain near Excelsior Ridge and on Chowder Ridge between Skyline and Hadley Peak. The takeaway is variability: most slopes appear stable, but isolated wind-loaded higher areas are still capable of producing large avalanches. A lack of recent activity is encouraging, but not a green light for large alpine terrain.

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