Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Sun
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
Open full map
Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 4 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Most areas have been through a few melt-freeze cycles this week, and avalanches will be unlikely on Saturday. You may still be able to trigger small wet avalanches in very steep rocky terrain. Travel cautiously in consequential terrain where even getting caught in a small avalanche could result in an uncontrollable fall.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Wednesday and Thursday nights have provided a solid overnight refreeze of the snowpack, which decreased the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. However, freezing levels are on an upward march, and small wet loose avalanches may become a concern in very steep terrain. They could be more likely at elevations above treeline where dry snow may still linger. Clouds are forecast for tomorrow, but southern aspects could quickly get very soft if the sun breaks through. You should still look for signs of wet loose avalanches such as rollerballs and fresh fan-shaped avalanches, and if you begin to sink deeply into wet, heavy snow as the day warms up, it is best to stick to lower angle slopes. Even though the expected size is relatively small, keep in mind that even small avalanches can have high consequences in extreme terrain.

    Any large cornice falls could be dangerous in their own right, and they could also trigger larger wet loose avalanches. Attempt to minimize your time lingering underneath overhung cornices, and don't be afraid to steer widely around potential runout zones. Some shaded, northerly aspects above treeline may still harbor more deeply buried faceted layers. Large triggers, such as cornices, could initiate deeper slab avalanches on these layers.

    (3/25/2022) Wet loose avalanches off steep rocky terrain. The larger avalanches are likely from earlier in the week. Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

Observers have been documenting weaker, faceted grains or surface hoar overlying a crust from early March on W-N-E aspects from Stemilt Basin to Icicle Creek and other areas to the north and south. This week's warm temperatures have likely created surface crusts at most elevations and aspects. While these crusts and icy surfaces have helped reduce the possibility of triggering a persistent slab, there is some uncertainty about elevations above 6500ft. You could find dry snow on northerly terrain at the highest elevations. If you are traveling through cold, dry snow, it will be worth digging down to identify any weak layers over the early march crust before committing to steep or consequential terrain. If you adventure up into the high alpine terrain of the East Central Zone, let us know what you find by submitting an observation. 

Abgedeckte Regionen