Seattle, WA – Backcountry travel across the western slopes of the Cascades is becoming life-threatening tonight as large, naturally triggered avalanches are expected to release and run into lower elevations.
According to the Northwest Avalanche Center, high avalanche danger is in effect from 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through 6:30 p.m. Wednesday across the West Central zone, including terrain from State Route 20 to areas north of Interstate 90. This includes the Mountain Loop Highway corridor and mountainous terrain near and south of Highway 2.
Forecasters warn that wet snow instability will drive large to very large avalanches, with some slides capable of traveling long distances into areas that are typically considered safe. That raises the risk not just for backcountry skiers and snowmobilers, but also for anyone near avalanche runout zones at lower elevations.
Conditions are especially dangerous overnight into Wednesday afternoon as warming temperatures weaken the snowpack. Terrain traps, steep slopes, and gullies along the Cascade west slopes are particularly vulnerable.
Officials strongly advise avoiding all backcountry travel during this period. Anyone recreating near the Cascades should keep a wide buffer from avalanche paths and remain aware that similar опас conditions may exist outside forecast zones.
The warning remains in effect through Wednesday evening, and additional alerts could be issued if instability continues.
