Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 6 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Happy Thanksgiving! It is possible to trigger a slab avalanche if you venture onto steep slopes in the alpine. The avalanche danger is easing, but keep your senses open for signs of instability such as shooting cracks through wind drifted snow.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Look for instability as you gain elevation, such as shooting cracks or collapsing sections of snow. Wind slabs may feel punchy as you travel over them, or dense and cohesive. Cornices and thick drifts are also clues that wind has moved recent snow. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on northwest through southeast aspects on steep slopes above treeline. You can avoid potentially problematic areas even in the alpine by sticking to lower angle slopes. 

    On south facing slopes and at lower elevations, watch for rollerballs if the sun shines during the day. Small loose wet avalanches could occur on steep slopes by the afternoon.

    Example photo of wind affected snow in the alpine zone.

Avalanche Discussion

Weather stations show 1-5 inches of new snow on Wednesday, with winds that were strong enough to drift snow. If you are planning to head out near Cle Elum, check the Snoqualmie Pass forecast as well. More snow fell in that area, so the danger may be heightened. We have a fair amount of uncertainty regarding the existing snowpack structure. What we do know is that the snowpack in the East Central is shallow. In some areas, folks have found enough coverage to safely ride, and in others not enough. Higher elevation, shaded slopes are generally holding the deepest snowpack, which may be 3ft+ deep. No instabilities were noted from an observer in Bean Creek of the Teanaway last Sunday (see photo below for an idea of the coverage). That same day, another observer found less than 2ft of snow on the ground near Mission Peak. 

Check out our new observations platform, and consider submitting an ob if you get out. Now is a great time to run through your safety equipment, and check to make sure everything is in good working order. Check my recent blog post on it here!

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources. Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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