Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Thu
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist last year abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Avalanche danger is incrementally ticking up as stormy weather continues to impact the region. Investigate complex and exposed terrain for signs that the snow is wind-loaded and unstable. Red flags telling you to stick to sheltered terrain include long shooting cracks from your equipment, collapsing, and recent natural or triggered slab avalanches.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Precipitation is forecasted to fall in the zone east to west, but true to form, higher snow totals are expected to the west along the Cascade Crest. Wind speeds aren't particularly impressive, but ultimately, when there's a storm, there's wind, and slabs will probably form. The northern end of the zone may have some lingering older slabs that, if triggered, would create an avalanche large enough to bury you, so exercise a bit more caution in this area.

    Wind slabs typically form just below ridgelines and on exposed convexities and gullies. Blowing snow, cornices, and fresh drifts will be the most helpful visual clues to look for.  Expect to find wind transported snow on the downwind side of the terrain where you find these features. Pay attention to the feel of the snow underneath your equipment as well; a change to denser feeling snow indicates the wind influenced that spot. Remember, although unlikely to bury you, a small avalanche could knock you over and take you for an unenjoyable ride over hazards such as rocks and cliffs.

    (3/10/2025)

    A very small intentionally triggered wind slab avalanche. This slide ran easily on the crust beneath. SE, 4800ft. 

    Photo: Dallas Glass

Avalanche Discussion

The most hazardous parts of East Central are relegated to rather specific areas. It will probably feel like a pretty safe day in most of the zone, especially with a lull in the action on Tuesday morning and unimpressive winds all around. There is a bit of uncertainty, however, in the precipitation forecast. The zone could end up seeing higher snow totals, which would elevate hazard. Many wind slabs could have formed over crusts, which can act as slick sliding and poor bonding surfaces for new snow. Other variable surfaces were previously observed prior to new snow, including surface hoar, which could also be a problem layer. When push comes to shove, periods of active weather just aren't days to send it on all your favorite steep and exposed slopes without doing some evaluation first.

If the storm does overproduce, small storm slabs could be on the table at middle and upper elevations. It is unlikely enough snow will fall at lower elevations. If you are seeing cracking, collapsing, and slab avalanches even in sheltered terrain, dial back your terrain choices and stick to slopes less than 30 degrees.

Persistent slabs continue to be an issue in the adjacent zone to the north. While we’ve put this problem to bed in the East Central, it’s worth considering in very northern portions or more far-flung parts of the zone. To reduce your risk, you can default to simpler terrain that is planar and short.

Submit an observation to help NWAC Forecasters reduce uncertainty. It can be short, simple, and even anonymous. 

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