Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Thu
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Snowfall and wind-loading will continue Wednesday with the most dangerous avalanche conditions in leeward alpine terrain. Even outside of wind-loaded areas, the 1-2ft of recent snow needs time to settle and stabilize. Pay attention as you transition into wind-affected terrain, and steer around wind-loaded features 35 degrees and steeper.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Another complex, winter-esque storm will bring easterly flow with precipitation favoring the East South zone. An additional 3-6in of snow may accumualate over the next 24 hours, adding to the 1-2ft of snow since 4/8. With shifting winds, wind slabs could be found in unusual locations and even extend further downslope than what you may typically see in familiar terrain. On Monday, NWAC staff near the border of the East and West South zones easily triggered wind slabs on opposing aspects along a ridge. Incoming snow and wind may form fresh slabs or thicken existing slabs. Use visual clues like blowing snow, textured surfaces or cornices to help you identify and avoid nearby wind-loaded slopes. 

    Rough surfaces and a thin snowpack limit avalanche potential at lower elevations throughout the zone. Still, the snow has been piling up for the last few days, and you may be able to trigger small avalanches in the new snow, even at lower elevations. Use caution in terrain where a small avalanche could push you into rocks, trees, or other obstacles.  

    (4/11/2022) Wind slabs were found in some unusual spots. Fresh slabs were observed on slopes often stripped by the wind. Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

Wednesday should be wintery and snowy, but we can't rule out the possibility of a few afternoon sun breaks. If you see rollerballs or the snow becomes moist and heavy in the strong April sun, you should consider moving to lower-angle or shady slopes. Spring weather in the Cascades is notoriously tricky and can change rapidly. If you are out adventuring during the long days, keep your senses tuned into the snow and look for signs of deteriorating snow stability. Even brief sun breaks can quickly cause wet loose or dry loose avalanche problems. Access into areas of the East South with a consistent snowpack has become challenging, and therefore direct observations from the zone are limited. However, snow is piling up on the Early April Crust, and stability test results in nearby White Pass show variable results on this interface. This crust is now 1-4 feet deep, and it is worth digging down to investigate this interface before committing to any steep terrain. Some southern slopes that were recently snow-free up to 5700ft may now have over a foot of snow. Use extra caution in these lower elevations where obstacles may be lurking just under the new snow, and creek holes may be drifted over or hidden.

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