Eastside Region

Lawinenprobleme

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1–1.5

  Strong southwest winds moved old snow around yesterday afternoon and overnight. 1 to 3" of snow fell across the forecast area in the early morning hours.  Early today, fresh wind slabs can be found on southeast, east, northeast and north slopes.  As the winds shift to the northeast today and remain elevated, the distribution of wind-deposited snow will shift to nearly all aspects, especially above treeline.  Though new wind slabs will be relatively small, they will be reactive to a rider's weight. They will be largest near ridgelines and in areas that received the most new snow. Recent avalanches, blowing snow, and shooting cracks from your skis are obvious signs of instability. You can reduce your exposure and your general discomfort by minimizing time on ridgelines or in the alpine today.

  

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Unlikely

  Größe

  2–3.5

  While there is ample evidence of a persistent slab cycle on 1/4 and 1/5, it is unlikely that a person will be able to affect these buried weak layers. Buried facets and crusts from early season can be found 3 to 6+ feet down on upper elevation E, NE, and N aspects. A smaller wind slab avalanche or falling cornice is the kind of sudden load that could trigger a huge avalanche. The best way to avoid this low-likelihood/high-consequence problem is to steer clear of steep, complex, rocky terrain