Mail
Inbox
Compose
Forward
From
Phillip Carter <pcarter@fastmail.com>
Phillip Carter <phillip.phillipcarter.carter@gmail.com>
To
Cc
Bcc
Subject
Markdown
Write
Split
--- **---------- Forwarded message ----------** **From:** Northwest Avalanche Center <info@nwac.us> **To:** pcarter@fastmail.com **Date:** Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 6:52 PM **Subject:** The Backcountry Bulletin: A rollercoaster week for the snowpack FORECAST < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/avalanche-forecast---all-/9hzrx/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > |EDUCATION < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/avalanche-education-/9hzs1/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > |SUPPORT < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/membership-/9hzs4/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > [Image alt text: NWAC BACKCOUNTRY BULLETIN] < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/2026-03-20/9hzs7/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > . [Image alt text: The State of the Snowpack] < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/2026-03-20/9hzs7/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > This past week began with the remnants of a powerful winter storm that brought significant snowfall across the Pacific Northwest. Most mountain passes and ski areas closed at the start of the weekend due to increased avalanche danger and damaged roads. By Sunday, roads and ski areas had reopened, and winter-lovers flocked to the mountains to enjoy the winter conditions. Along the west side of the Cascades, snow depths more than doubled in just a few days. Following the largest snow-producing storm cycle of the season, cold winter conditions transitioned rapidly to high-elevation rain and warm temperatures by Sunday night. Inches of rain fell across the forecast region, with the West Central and Snoqualmie Pass zones reaching high avalanche danger. Large to very large wet avalanches were observed throughout the prolonged rainfall. Overall, snow depth decreased dramatically over the work week as rain penetrated deeper into the snowpack. While most zones stayed wet and rainy, areas around Mount Hood and the southernmost portions of West South and East South experienced sunny skies and spring-like weather. AVALANCHE FORECAST BY ZONE < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/2026-03-20/9hzsb/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > [Image alt text: Mountain Weather] < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/2026-03-20/9hzs7/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > Change is afoot, with cooler weather arriving for the weekend. On Friday, the last gasp of an extended atmospheric river (AR) event continues to bring moderate to heavy rain, high elevation snow, and windy conditions across the mountains of Washington State. By Friday afternoon, a cold front advancing from the northwest will push lighter precipitation associated with the AR south toward Mt. Hood, leaving light snow showers in its wake. The west slopes of the Cascades can expect a dusting to an inch of snow, while convergence zones may favor the Skagit and Mt. Baker areas for several inches by Saturday morning. Snow levels plummet below the major passes by Saturday morning, while light westerly winds bank low-level moisture against the Cascades. Expect mostly to partly cloudy skies and a few light snow showers for the west slopes, with warmth and sunshine on the east slopes of the Cascades. Sunday starts chilly across the region but gradually moderates. A weak ridge keeps the next frontal system mainly to the north, although clouds and very light rain or snow may brush the Olympics and North Cascades from Saturday night into Sunday. CHECK THE MOUNTAIN WEATHER < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/mountain-weather-forecast-/9hzsf/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > THE NORTHWEST AVALANCHE CENTER IS SUPPORTED BY: < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/RbNb6bCflC-xmGBJYzVbGn0oA-3WpC/9hzsj/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/56-3461-4c3e-9bcf-fe8a30b52aef/9hzsm/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > [Image alt text: OBSERVATION HIGHLIGHT] < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/2026-03-20/9hzs7/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > "It was a quiet week in terms of observations, so detailed ones like this that include photos and observed avalanches are gold to the avalanche forecasters. It painted a clear picture of the snowpack and weather as if we were in the field with the observer. Observations don’t need to be super in-depth, but it's certainly helpful when we get them." - Sam Clairmont, Avalanche Forecaster READ THE OBSERVATION < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/56-3461-4c3e-9bcf-fe8a30b52aef/9hzsm/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > SUBMIT AN OBSERVATION < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/observations---form/9hzsq/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/-event-calendar-nachtspektakel/9hzst/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > Crystal Mountain Resort is excited to offer a night of touring under the stars! Climb a mountain, indulge in tasty food & drink, hang out around the fire, and revel with other like-minded individuals. Then slide down the mountain in complete darkness, guided only by the stars and your headlamp! It’s full-on type 2 fun with a tasty European twist! Nachtspektakel tickets are available in limited quantities. Any participant under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please note that lift access is not available, and skiers/riders must be able to climb 1850 ft using Alpine Touring gear and ski intermediate terrain. Tickets may not be exchanged or refunded. SECURE YOUR TICKET < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/-event-calendar-nachtspektakel/9hzst/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/984934287888-aff-oddtdtcreator/9hzsx/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > Corn snow, volcano objectives, spring lines — the PNW's spring season is around the corner. Join us on April 7th for a FREEvirtual event, hosted by SlabLab < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/community/9hzt1/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > , with the people who know the PNW backcountry best: - Payton Schiff (NWAC Forecaster) - Spring safety & conditions - Trevor Kostanich (Pro Guide) - Timing, travel technique & pro tips - Live Q&A - ask the experts - Speed Networking - meet like-minded touring partners Can't make it live? A recording will be posted on YouTube. REGISTER HERE < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/984934287888-aff-oddtdtcreator/9hzsx/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > [Image alt text: Events & Classes] < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/events-/9hzt4/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > UPCOMING AWARENESS CLASSES Crystal Mountain Resort < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/977-WA-tfa-1981-1-tfa-1982-150/9hzt7/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > March 27 @ 4pm In-Person | Enumclaw, WA < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/MDMwMS4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw253D253D/9hztb/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > REI Bellingham < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/1977-WA-tfa-1981-3-tfa-1982-20/9hztf/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > March 30 @ 5pm In-Person | Bellingham, WA < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/MDMwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw253D253D/9hztj/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > UPCOMING EVENTS Nachtspektakel < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/-event-calendar-nachtspektakel/9hzst/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > Saturday, March 28 Crystal Mountain Resort < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/MDIxOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw253D253D/9hztm/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > in Enumclaw, WA Above the Forecast Zone and After the Forecast Season < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/and-after-the-forecast-season-/9hztq/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > Thursday, April 2 Mountain Shop < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/MDMwMS4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw253D253D/9hztt/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > in Portland, OR Kickoff to Spring in the Backcountry < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/984934287888-aff-oddtdtcreator/9hzsx/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > Tuesday, April 7 Virtual < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/984934287888-aff-oddtdtcreator/9hzsx/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > , link upon registration NWAC 50th Anniversary Celebration < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/5212997/9hztx/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > Thursday, April 9 Volition Brewing < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/MDIxNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw253D253D/9hzv1/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > in North Bend, WA < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/membership-/9hzs4/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > [Image alt text: Support NWAC] < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/membership-/9hzs4/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > ROCK THIS YEAR'S MEMBER GEAR! Show your love for the mountains–and help keep our community informed and prepared. This year's member gear includes an exclusive eqpd bag, a custom Hydro Flask, our new T-shirt design, and more! Your membership powers the forecasts and education the community relies on all winter long. LEARN ABOUT NWAC MEMBERSHIP < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/membership-/9hzs4/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > GET THE GEAR < https://welcome.nwac.us/e/935893/ive-497748---donation-checkout/9hzv4/588233724/h/UCqSDjjVENBmKn6a8ahp9ohpShnZtAO1I5sO28Cc3dA > Northwest Avalanche Center 249 Main Ave S Suite 107-366 North Bend, Washington 98045 Update Email Preferences < https://welcome.nwac.us/emailpreferences?ehash=ba3b919e8c03ebb7fd1681e11c2008c0f254e7900224a20a457ab2b377e11058&email_id=588233724&epc_hash=9LgLG-Zu3jtL1EXLD5lnjIq_Rtr02d-ZvymbXr9Z-70 >
Send