Northwest Avalanche Center

NWAC has suspended avalanche forecast operations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Read our full statement here.

Spring Avalanche Safety Message 

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 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.