Lawinenlagebericht

East Slopes North

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Continued light snow and moderate winds may build unstable drifts of snow near ridges in alpine terrain. Use caution and steer around steep terrain with these pillow-like drifts to avoid triggering avalanches. Small wet avalanches may also be possible with the chance of sun breaks during the afternoon.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Light snow with moderate winds is in the forecast and will likely build fresh shallow wind slabs on lee aspects near ridges and in wind-exposed alpine terrain. Visual clues such as textured surfaces, blowing snow, cornices, and pillow-like drifts of snow can help you identify and avoid fresh wind slabs. If you observe shooting cracks or feel the snowpack collapse beneath you, move to lower angle or wind-sheltered terrain. While we expect the size of the avalanches to be small, even small avalanches can be consequential if it knocks you off your feet and carries you into trees, rocks, over cliffs, or buries you in confined terrain.

    An observer noted small, isolated wind slabs right near ridgelines on Friday. These older wind slabs may still be lingering but more stubborn to trigger. You can use a pole or probe to feel for stiffer layers under a few inches of fresh snow. 

    (1/9/2022)

    Blowing snow and a wind slab in alpine terrain.

    Photo: Will Govus

Avalanche Discussion

While we expect a cloudy day with light to occasionally moderate snow showers on Tuesday, there is also a chance of sun breaks in the afternoon. New snow can quickly turn wet and heavy in the intense spring sun, making wet loose avalanches possible. So if you find yourself on slopes in direct sun with snow surfaces becoming moist or rollerballs forming, it will be best to move to lower angle or shady terrain. Even a small wet loose avalanche could be consequential if it knocks you off your feet and carries you into trees, rocks, over cliffs, or buries you in confined terrain. Spring weather in the Cascades is notoriously tricky and can change rapidly. If you are out adventuring during the long days, keep your senses tuned into the snow and look for signs of deteriorating snow stability.

Last week, Washington Pass picked up 10-12" of snow, which has gradually settled above a crust from 4/8". Observers have found cold, dry snow on northerly aspects that seems well bonded to the underlying crust. Sunny weather on Sunday formed a crust on southerly aspects, and an observer noted a cornice fall resulting in a large wet loose avalanche. The WSDOT crews reported some natural avalanches in the Liberty Bell area. Information and observations are limited. Access to snow-covered slopes has become difficult in many parts of the zone. Be prepared to make your own observations and assessments. If you see conditions different from what we describe, defer to lower-angle and simpler terrain. The North Cascades Highway SR 20 is currently gated at Silverstar, though the road is plowed further west. Until the road opens, WSDOT allows recreational access on the North Cascades Highway near Washington Pass from Friday-Sunday. With road clearing operations underway midweek and other professional operations inactive, your observations are essential. If you're out in the mountains, let us know what you see. 

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