Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

The avalanche danger will rise during the day as a strong storm moves in.  Larger avalanches that are human-triggered or release naturally are more likely on steep wind-loaded slopes.  Avalanche danger will likely peak Wednesday night - make sure to plan your exit with increasing hazard in mind. Deeper, weaker layers will be tested over this storm cycle. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The day should start out with some light snowfall and cold temperatures, but look for increasing hazard as the day wears on and the storm ramps up in the afternoon.   Besides denser snow and higher snowfall rates in the afternoon, temperatures will creep up and winds will become stronger.  Storm slab avalanches in sheltered areas will generally be shallow but may become larger where they entrain softer snow below in larger paths.  Winds will easily move new and recent snow onto load lee slopes.  Wind-loaded terrain is the most likely place large avalanches, human or naturally triggered may occur before the end of the day.   

    You can use small test slopes to see how the new snow is bonding.   As the storm intensifies or you see signs of increasing instability,  simplify your terrain selection and limit your overhead hazard.  Step back from very steep slopes and unsupported terrain features.  Large natural avalanches originating from wind-loaded slopes at upper and mid elevations are not out of the question. 

    New snow entices us to stay and play just a little longer on those good days.  It's essential to plan your day with a safe exit in mind; don't get caught out as the avalanche danger notches higher Wednesday evening.   

    Use small test slopes as you travel to gain information about the new snow.

    From earlier this winter; a small (D1) storm slab avalanche, intentionally triggered in wind-sheltered terrain involving all (8") of the new snow.  Cutthroat Creek 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1.5–2.5

    The storm cycle over the next few days may "wake up" deeper instabilities in the snowpack.  Wednesday's storm may not quite be the punch needed, but it should be at the forefront of your mind as storms load and stress the snowpack over the coming days.  Widely breaking avalanches deeper than the storm snow, propagating test results, and whumpfing collapses could all indicate that this dangerous problem is back.   Shallower avalanches releasing in the new snow may step down to older weaker layers, creating more destructive slides.  The advice to limit your exposure to overhead hazard and step back to simpler terrain takes on a deeper meaning with larger persistent slab avalanches hanging around.  

    It's been over a week since the last confirmed persistent slab avalanche. You can find weak layers above and adjacent to crusts 2-3 feet below the surface.  

    (2/26/2026)

    A number of large, natural avalanches on a leeward mid-slope feature. Note blowing snow. This likely ran on a weak layer above the 2/7 crust, ~2 feet below the surface. Cutthroat Lake. E-SE, 6,600ft

Avalanche Discussion

On Tuesday, professionals reported 8" of recent snow in the Rainy Pass area (up to 2' of recent snow was reported in other areas) above a ski-supportable crust.  The 3/8 crust is widespread and formed after a wet and warm period last weekend.  Another day of light to moderate ridgeline winds moved snow along ridgelines, with a few shallow wind slabs observed in the Silverstar area below ridgelines. Sluffs ran well above the crust on very steep slopes.  Snowpack tests on the 2/7 crust and facets did not yield any concerning results. While persistent slab avalanches have been less active as of late, weak layers in the snowpack continue to hold our attention. The 2/13 facets above the 2/7 crust can still be found on a variety of aspects and elevations. 

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