Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Mon
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

You can trigger 1-2 foot thick avalanches in pockets of wind-drifted snow below ridges or on steep, open slopes at upper elevations. Some of these wind slabs could easily trigger if they fail on recently buried, weak surfaces.  Carefully evaluate these wind slabs and seek out more sheltered slopes if you notice strong over weak layering or obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks,  collapsing, or recent avalanches. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    4-8 inches of recent new snow and strong westerly winds have built 1-2 ft thick wind slabs at upper and some middle elevation terrain across the East South. These slabs could trigger easily and break in surprising ways if they formed over weak faceted grains of snow. Before riding a large open slope, dig down and look for weak snow resting over a crust or hard-over-soft layering. You can use ECT’s or small test slopes to evaluate for possible failures.

    These wind slabs will be most prominent on leeward sides of ridges, below cornices, or mid-slope convexities. Look and feel for changes in snow depth and hardness. Drifts, dunes, rippled snow surfaces, and chalky snow pillows are visible clues that the wind has been at work. Don’t ignore obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks under your feet or machine. 

    (2/28/2023)

    Look for pillow-like slabs, dunes, and wind textured snow to help you identify slopes of concern. 

    Photo: Katie Warren

Avalanche Discussion

While this wasn’t a big storm for the East-South zone, it was a much-needed refresh. Weather stations across the zone picked up anywhere from 3-7 inches of new snow with Green Lake picking up the most. In typical cascade fashion, expect more snow and potentially more dangerous conditions the closer you move to the Cascade Crest. 

Leading up to this storm, a variety of surfaces existed across the zone. Most southerly slopes held a sun crust from recent warming while shaded slopes consisted of weaker grains over a crust that may plague us for some time to come. 

The take-home is that avalanche conditions will change depending on what aspect and elevation you are on. As snow continues to fall, be sure to slow down and check what it’s covering. Pay attention to cracking, collapsing, and rapid changes in snow density as you travel.

If you get out, let us know what you find by submitting a public observation !

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