Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes South

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

You may trigger large avalanches near ridges in upper elevations, where winds have deposited snow into deep drifts. Loose snow avalanches can run far and fast in sheltered areas at lower elevations. Travel carefully and assess snowpack conditions as you move through terrain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Snowfall and steady, moderate winds have been the ongoing weather trend. This cold, low-density snow can easily be transported by light to moderate winds, developing large wind slabs on lee aspects. If traveling above treeline, use caution near ridges and look for blowing snow building fresh wind slabs. These wind slabs are likely to be found in alpine terrain near ridges, rocky outcrops, and wind-exposed slopes.

    Look and feel for signs of wind-loading as you travel, like blowing snow and changes in snow surface texture and hardness. If you experience shooting cracks or see recent avalanches, choose low-angle terrain. 

    With new snow depths tapering from west to east from the Cascade Crest, expect that you may find larger and more sensitive wind slabs closer to the crest and as you increase in elevation.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Cold temperatures and continued low-density snow accumulations have resulted in a deep and relatively cohesionless upper snowpack. This lack of cohesion can cause the new snow to run fast on steep slopes and entrain additional snow as it moves downhill. Look for signs of fan-shaped avalanches, or point releases, that typically start from a single location and spread out as the travel downslope. They can run naturally, or you can trigger them as you move through steep terrain. 

    Travel carefully and know your partner's location. Stay out from under others in steep or consequential terrain and be wary of terrain traps such as creeks, trees, or cliffs that you could be carried into or over. 

    (1/28/2021)

    Example: Small Loose Dry Avalanche on steep slopes.

    Photo: Sam Luthy

Avalanche Discussion

While the winter started off to a slow start, stormy weather with significant snowfall has been the norm since early December, and total snow depths are steadily increasing. This recent storm cycle began on the Winter Solstice with significant snowfall and strong winds. While snow totals since 12/21 vary significantly throughout the zone, over 1ft of cold, low-density snow accumulated in areas near the Cascade Crest. Areas further east in the zone may have only picked up a few inches of new snow. New snow rests on a crust from 12/21, and avalanches may run farther and faster than expected on this layer. Steady cold temperatures and light to moderate snowfall continue through the weekend.

There is a lot of variability from north to south and east to west throughout the zone, and a more substantial snowpack exists in the northern and western portions. Earlier this week, a look into the East South zone from the upper Tieton River Valley showed a generally thin snowpack. While most slopes now hold continuous snow, many rocks and trees were still visible. The deepest snowpacks are around the Mt Aix and Bumping Ridge areas. Avalanche danger will vary, with increased danger in places close to the crest with a deeper snowpack.

Bitterly cold temperatures are in the forecast for tomorrow and early next week. Expect single digits and below zero temperatures. Cold injuries to fingers, toes, and noses are common at these frigid temperatures. So it will be worth it to bring some extra layers, extra warm gloves, hand warmers, and a thermos with a hot drink. 

With significant snowfall totals in many areas of the zone, make sure to keep partners in sight and give tree-wells extra space.

If you head out into the snow over the holidays, you can help shape the forecast by letting us know what you see.

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