Avalanche Danger Increases Out West

news image
Top Stories
26 Mar 2025 8:30 AM

NORTHWEST - Warmer air is forcing the rain/snow line (freezing level) in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Tier up to higher elevations. Rain and melting snow will increase the avalanche risk in the High Cascades, volcanoes, and mountains of British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana. These are sometimes referred to as 'wet avalanches'.


Forecast maximum daily freezing levels in the Cascades:

  • 3/26: 10,000ft

  • 3/27: 6,000ft

  • 3/28: 4,500ft

  • 3/29: 4,000ft

Forecast maximum daily freezing levels in NW Montana:

  • 3/26: 10,000ft

  • 3/27: 10,000ft

  • 3/28: 6,000ft

  • 3/29: 6,000ft


What Causes Avalanches?

Meteorologist Rob Bradley explains the dangers of avalanches:

Forecast Timeline

The next storm system arrives Wednesday afternoon and continues through Friday.

Forecast snowfall through Saturday with the heaviest accumulations at the higher elevations and rain at lower elevations.

The next storm system will deliver rain to Seattle between Wednesday through Sunday.

All Weather News
More
Weekend Closes With More Storms

Weekend Closes With More Storms

The peak of spring severe weather season is f

13 Apr 2026 2:00 AM
Active Pattern This Week Across U.S.

Active Pattern This Week Across U.S.

WHAT TO EXPECTWe continue to see the busy Apr

13 Apr 2026 1:55 AM
Feeling Like Summer This Week

Feeling Like Summer This Week

We're not really that close to the solstice.

13 Apr 2026 1:45 AM
Stormy Pattern Continues for West Coast

Stormy Pattern Continues for West Coast

A series of storms is lining up to impact the

12 Apr 2026 7:50 PM
CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

Spring is in full swing which means it's time

12 Apr 2026 1:30 AM
Masters Forecast: No Rain, No Delays, Just Golf

Masters Forecast: No Rain, No Delays, Just Golf

The Masters Tournament in Augusta is expected

11 Apr 2026 8:00 AM
Severe Weather Reloads Today

Severe Weather Reloads Today

Large hail for Kansas last night! Thursday wa

10 Apr 2026 8:40 PM