Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

The snow continues to pile up in the East North zone, maintaining elevated avalanche danger. You could trigger large and dangerous avalanches in wind-drifted snow, particularly in upper elevations. Avoid steep, open terrain below ridgelines with deep drifts and default to lower-angle slopes if you observe cracking in fresh snow or recent avalanches. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You could easily trigger large avalanches in steep wind-loaded terrain. Cracks that shoot out in front of you, recent avalanches, or actively blowing snow are signs of instability. The best risk-reduction strategy is to avoid steep terrain beneath corniced ridgelines and steep wind-exposed slopes. With strong winds and recent snow totals measured in feet, follow lower-angle routes or wind-scoured slopes, which often provide safer travel options. 

    Warming during this storm may also create reactive storm slabs in sheltered terrain. Watch for cracking or test slopes that produce mini-avalanches as signs to dial down your slope angles, even in wind-sheltered areas. 

    We have limited information on the snowpack, but fresh snow may rest on slick crusts. Travel with extra safety margins, make diligent observations, and step into new terrain slowly to account for the increased uncertainty. 

    (12/6/2025)

    The type of terrain you don't want to take an unplanned ride through. 

    A skier-triggered wind slab avalanche from last week near Blue Lake. 6700ft, WNW. SS-AS-D1.5-I

    Photo: Will Govus

  • Loose Wet

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

    Temperatures won't be as unreasonably warm as last week, but rain will likely sneak towards the mid-elevation band by late Thursday, particularly west of Washington Pass. If you begin to see rollarballs or small natural wet loose avalanches, consider moving to lower-angle terrain. Lower elevations have minimal snow, but even small avalanches can have high consequences in steep terrain with many exposed obstacles to get dragged through. 

    (4/10/2024)

    An example of small wet loose avalanches from a previous season. 

    Photo: Willie Webster

Avalanche Discussion

Snow totals through Wednesday were significant across the zone, with 28" at Washington Pass and 21" at Harts Pass. This storm train continues, and while we will see a slight bump in temperatures, it will likely cool back down quickly with continued snowfall by Friday. Last week, rain reached above 6800ft for multiple hours on 12/11.  WSDOT observers working on clearing mud and debris from the road reported thick surface crusts up to Washington Pass. They also reported a widespread natural avalanche cycle that deposited large debris piles on Hwy 20 at multiple locations. Some of these slides traveled long distances across elevation bands and carried mud, rocks, and trees. 

Flooding, washouts, and landslides have affected many communities. Expect difficult access and challenging travel at low elevations. Information has been limited to weather station data and road reports for a few days, so our confidence in the forecast is lower than usual. 

The weather over the past few weeks has been extraordinary, with torrential rains, extreme winds, flooding, and landslides. Many communities are dealing with damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses, stretching resources thin. These events have limited access to the mountains for all of us. State and local resources are working diligently to reduce the worst of these impacts. We can help by being respectful of local communities, obeying road closures, and heeding ski area uphill travel policies.

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