Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Winds will continue to build thick slabs of snow on lee aspects. You may be able to trigger avalanches in this wind drifted snow at upper elevations on northerly aspects, where slabs formed over weak snow grains. There is significant variability from west to east in the zone, and avalanches may be larger in western areas of the zone. Travel cautiously and make observations before committing to steep terrain in wind-affected areas. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    With the recent snow available for transport at upper elevations, forecasted moderate to strong winds will continue to distribute snow to lee aspects. Consequently, adding depth to lingering wind slabs formed over weak snow grains in alpine areas on northerly aspects. Forecaster, Matt Primomo, found this weak structure in the Icicle Creek drainage on Wednesday at around 6700ft. While the recent snow didn't seem reactive in wind-sheltered terrain, wind-loaded lee aspects with stiff slabs could potentially produce large avalanches. Use visual clues such as cornice formations and surface texture to identify wind-affected terrain. Consider sticking to wind-sheltered areas or lower angle slopes in high elevation, northern aspects. Look for signs of instability such as shooting cracks, collapsing, or recent avalanche activity. These are all bullseye signs of an unstable slope. You can also dig down quickly to observe if the snow slides easily off the crust and look for weak snow above the crust. If the snow easily slides on the crust, you find it weak snow, or see other signs of instability stick to conservative terrain with lower angle slopes.

    (3/16/2022)

    Wind slab in high elevation terrain in the Icicle Creek drainage.

    Photo: Matt Primomo

Avalanche Discussion

The weather forecast calls for clouds with the potential for a few showers, which help keep surfaces cool. However, if the strong March sun breaks through the clouds, you may see rollerballs or small, natural wet loose avalanches. If you are sinking deeply into heavy wet snow, it will be best to head towards shady terrain or stick to lower angle slopes. These loose wet slides may start small and run slowly, but even small avalanches could knock you off your feet, carry you into trees, rocks, and creeks or bury you in confined terrain.

Much of the eastern portion of the zone didn't receive enough snow for a significant avalanche problem. However, areas further west received 8-11 inches of snow with strong winds. Therefore, stability throughout the zone may vary significantly, and it will be essential to monitor the depth of the new snow as you travel. If you find more than 8 inches of fresh snow over the Early March Crust, it will be worth digging down to identify any weak snow overlying the crust. There is uncertainty and variability with the distribution of these weak faceted snow grains. Similar slopes may react differently, so enter new terrain slowly and make observations before committing to complex or steep terrain.

Various challenging surface conditions exist at lower elevations, such as shallowly buried avalanche debris and thin snow cover. Unfortunately, the warm temperatures associated with the storm kept new snow accumulations minimal at elevations below 4500ft, and lower elevations conditions did not improve significantly. A widespread avalanche cycle occurred throughout the Cascades on the 28th-March 1st and left plenty of large piles of debris to navigate.

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