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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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 8 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Hazard will increase during the day as new snow falls and gets blown around by strengthening wind. Particularly near the Cascade Crest, look for signs that wind-drifted snow might be unstable, such as blowing snow, uneven snow surfaces, and a change to denser-feeling surfaces. Steer around slopes with these features, especially if you experience shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Lingering, older wind slabs will generally be the only hazard to look out for in the morning on Friday throughout the zone. Although much more stubborn, these slabs could be deep enough to bury you should you trigger one. You can recognize where these might lurk by feeling for noticeably stiffer surfaces in wind-loaded terrain that sound hollow or drum-like.

    Fresh wind slabs will form in areas closer to the Cascade Crest as the day progresses. These will be soft and small, but more sensitive. At middle elevations, they could form on slick crusts created by previous warming. Actively blowing snow will be your best clue to identifying where new slabs are forming. Textured snow surfaces, cornice development, and scoured surfaces on the side of slopes facing the wind can also clue you in to where both new and old slabs might be. Wind slabs generally form just below ridgelines and along gully walls, often referred to as cross loading. 

    (12/23/2025)

    As all seen in this photo, textured surfaces, cornice development, and pillow like drifts indicate wind transport.

    Photo: Drew Lovell

Avalanche Discussion

On Wednesday, a NWAC forecaster traveled up to 5500 ft around the Salmon La Sac and was unable to find any evidence of unstable, wind-deposited snow. They experienced light rain up to 4000 ft. Alternatively, another NWAC forecaster traveled up to 5900 ft on Dirtyface on the same day, did see evidence of wind loading, and did not get rained on (although the snowfall was borderline rain). Then, more recently, on Thursday, an observation from the eastern side of the zone noted snow down to 2000 ft and blowing snow higher up along ridgelines, while areas further west experienced rain, possibly up to middle elevation terrain.

All of that is to say, there is variability in the surface conditions new snow will be falling on, particularly at middle elevations. As you travel around, it'll be worth your time to dig quick hand pits as you ascend to check the bond between old surfaces and new snow. If old surfaces that had been wetted had a chance to refreeze before burial, they could serve as prime sliding surfaces.

Much of the zone now has a snowpack that deepens appreciably starting around 4500 ft. Some data points at middle elevations show an average depth of 53-76 inches. The northern end of the zone may be significantly deeper. Both the Lyman Lake weather station (5990 ft) and observations from Holden Mine report a snow depth of 98 inches. It's not out of the question for there to be that much more snow up north, given how much snow the East North zone has received throughout the season. We don't have any other on the ground information for this area, otherwise, so if you plan to travel in this part of East Central, consider checking the forecast for the East North zone too.

Lower elevations and areas further east in the zone are still relatively shallow, making skiing or riding off the road tricky. Especially in these areas, watch for shallowly buried rocks, trees, and high-flowing creeks. These hazards can appreciably increase the consequences of getting caught in even a small avalanche. Additionally, accessing terrain can be quite arduous due to widespread damage from recent atmospheric river events. Be prepared to be turned around due to road closures, washouts, mudslides, or downed trees. Many thanks to all the folks out there helping clear roads and trails.

State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the impacts of destructive storms that occurred earlier this month. We can help by respecting affected communities, complying with road closures, and adhering to ski area uphill travel policies.

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