Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

The storm has passed, but triggering large avalanches on weak layers in the upper snowpack remains a real concern. There were several large avalanches that broke widely on these same weak layers in the nearby West South zone on Tuesday. Consider any steep open slope as suspect, especially in more wind-exposed terrain where slabs will be stiffer and denser. On sunny slopes, triggering small wet avalanches may be possible on steep features, particularly near cliff bands as the day heats up. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Triggering avalanches that break on facets above a crust or buried surface hoar remains a concerning possibility in the mountains of the East South. Tuesday brought another round of natural and remotely triggered avalanches up to D2 failing on buried surface hoar just over the ridge at Crystal Mountain. Other backcountry travelers traveling near Crystal also reported a handful of whumphs and long shooting cracks with the same weak layer as the culprit. This bullseye information is hard to overlook, especially when we know the structure is widespread across the region. 

    Wind loaded slopes have the potential to produce the largest avalanches, but any steep slope should be considered suspect during periods like this. Since these weak layers aren’t too deep yet, you can still use hand pits and snowpack tests to easily locate these layers and check for reactivity. However, digging down can only prove a weak layer's presence, not its absence. They shouldn’t be used to determine if a slope is safe. 

    There have been several close calls across the region this past week. Don’t add to the tally. You can significantly reduce your exposure to this problem by staying off steep, open slopes - especially where the wind has drifted snow into stiffer slabs. 

    (2/24/2026)

    The 2/13 interface is easy to spot with a clean pit wall. It's a thin grey line a few inches above the prominent 2/7 crust.

    Photo: Dallas Glass

  • Loose Wet

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

    The sun will begin to appear again. Wet loose activity may have started up on Tuesday with the warm, soggy conditions below 6000 ft, but look for continued wet avalanche activity on steep sun-exposed slopes as the day warms up. 

    Rollerballs, pinwheels, and wet sluffs fanning out below your feet or machine are obvious clues that the snow surface is becoming wet and weak. In some areas, these wet loose avalanches could carry some weight given the amount of recent snow, so avoid big terrain or areas with terrain traps if you notice signs of warming. 

    (2/24/2026)

    Wet avalanche activity occurred due to rising temperatures and some greenhousing. Most originated as snow shed from trees or rocks. Expect more of this on Wednesday.

    Photo: Andy Harrington

Avalanche Discussion

You’ll likely start to encounter fewer signs of obvious  ‘instability’ as weather inputs relax this week. Keep in mind that it's often during the first sunny days after stormy periods that many accidents occur, especially with persistent weak layers present. The snowpack will give you less feedback,  so it will be up to you to stay disciplined and choose conservative terrain. While the likelihood may start decreasing, the size and devastating consequences will stay the same. 

Tuesday was another active day of avalanches in the nearby West South zone. The Crystal Mountain Pro Patrol reported natural and remotely triggered avalanches up to D2 failing on buried surface hoar. In the East Central near Mission Ridge, avalanche workers triggered small slabs in wind-drifted snow that failed on facets over the 2/7 crust. While these observations are not from the East South, we know this structure exists, and the likelihood of triggering is just as high given the recent load of new snow. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to adjust your travel practices to match the unique snowpack conditions that currently exist around the Cascades.

Travel conditions are improving, but low snow coverage persists at lower elevations, on southerly slopes, and in eastern areas. Allow extra time and watch for exposed hazards hidden by new snow.

 Let us know what you see by submitting an observation here or on the AvyApp. 

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