Seattle, WA – A high avalanche danger warning has been issued for the Olympic Mountains and west slopes of the Cascades, including the Mt. Baker area and key highways, as heavy snowfall and rain increase risks.
According to the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), the warning remains in effect from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday, with conditions expected to worsen into Sunday. Large, natural avalanches are likely, potentially reaching lower elevations.
Areas under warning include:
• The Olympic Mountains
• West slopes of the Cascades (from the Canadian border to King County)
• Highway 542, Highway 20 West, and the Mountain Loop Highway
Avalanches could bury, injure, or kill backcountry travelers. Officials urge people to avoid avalanche-prone terrain, including open forest areas below steep alpine slopes.
For updated forecasts and safety resources, visit NWAC or Avalanche.org.
