Northwest Avalanche Center

All forecast operations have ended for the 2019/20 season. Daily avalanche forecasts usually end for the season in mid to late April. You can read our full statement regarding our decision to end daily avalanche forecast operations earlier than normal on March 24th, 2020.

Spring Travel Advice

Avalanches and avalanche accidents occur in snow-covered mountains in the Spring

• Avalanche terrain doesn’t get less consequential in the spring. Choose terrain and travel practices that minimize your exposure to avalanches.

• If you see recent avalanches, you may be able to trigger others.

• Winter-like weather means winter-like avalanches. Expect an increased avalanche danger during or just after storms.

• Serious avalanche accidents or fatalities occur nearly every Spring. Read more on past PNW avalanche accidents here: https://www.nwac.us/accidents/accident-reports/

Dynamic conditions

• March and April are transitional months for the snowpack and weather. During the transition, the weather will fluctuate between cold and wet winter-like storms, spring-time showers, and warm and dry periods. 

• You will find differences in snow and avalanche conditions as you move through the mountains:

  • Upper elevation and shaded, northerly aspects may hold colder, winter-like snow.

  • Many lower elevation and sun-exposed slopes have fully transitioned to a spring snowpack or hold shallow snow cover.

• In areas with a colder more winter-time snowpack, watch for typical “Red Flag” indicators that you could trigger an avalanche:

  • Recent avalanches

  • Cracking or collapsing in the snow

  • Blowing snow or fresh drifts

  • More than 6 inches of recent snow

  • Strong sun and warming temperatures on freshly fallen snow

• You can reduce your exposure to wet avalanches by traveling:

  • During periods of cold clear nights with solid overnight freezes

  • Earlier in the day when air temperatures are colder or on aspects not receiving direct sun 

  • On slopes where the snow is frozen or drier snow remains

Other Springtime Hazards

• Cornices have grown very large. They can fall with warming temperatures and sun. Limit your exposure to overhead cornice hazard, and avoid standing on them when traveling on ridges.

• Seracs may collapse at any time. 

  • Cornice or serac fall may trigger larger avalanche deeper in the snowpack on the slopes below. Knowing your overhead exposure is key. 

• Glide cracks have opened. Don’t fall in them or linger below them.

• Same goes for creeks. Creeks are opening and water levels will rise as snow melts.

• Bridged crevasses may sag and weaken with prolonged warm weather. Practice safe glacier travel.